Maddie Zwickl's volleyball coach wrote a letter of recommendation highlighting her strong work ethic, drive, and selflessness. The coach describes Maddie as a hard worker both academically and athletically, often going above and beyond what is required. Maddie is also driven to improve her skills and seeks help from others to maximize her performance. Additionally, Maddie demonstrates selflessness through assisting her teammates with practice and recruiting prospective players. Due to her leadership qualities, Maddie was selected for her team's Leadership Council as the youngest member.

1. December 22, 2015
To Whom It May Concern:
Maddie Zwickl requested I write a letter of recommendation for her. I am happy to do so. I am Maddie’s
volleyball coach at SUNY New Paltz, and in addition to the recruiting period, have known her for almost 3 years.
I would like to comment on 3 characteristics that set Maddie apart: work ethic, drive, and selflessness.
Maddie is a hard working student-athlete in the classroom, the practice gym, and the weight room. School does
not come easy to Maddie, yet she manages to be a high achieving student. Maddie is willing to devote an amount
of time above and beyond most to her studies to strive for A’s. In the gym, Maddie is one of the first to arrive
and last to leave, and puts forth great effort throughout the session. In the weight room, Maddie doesn’t simply
complete the workout. Maddie pushes herself toward gains that will allow her to excel as an athlete. She rarely
misses a day, and only will for uncontrollable reasons. When she misses, she makes it up immediately.
Maddie is a very driven student-athlete. As mentioned above, she is a very hard worker, but I don’t think that
defines how driven she is. Maddie is a smart worker. She regularly seeks out her professors outside of class to
ensure mastery of the subject matter. She is not afraid to use extra help sessions and tutors to maximize
academic performance. While Maddie is often one of the first to arrive to the practice gym and last to leave, it is
a result of often coming early and staying late, to master her craft. Maddie does not simply put in 100% for the 2
hours of practice. Maddie’s drive to be one of the elite pushes her to put in 100% beyond those 2 hours which
separates her into a category of greatness. Similar to the classroom, Maddie will solicit the advice of her coaches
and older teammates to direct her drive and work ethic down the right path, again, working hard and smart. This
is what has led to team success and many individual accolades through her two seasons with us.
Maddie is also a very selfless student-athlete, particularly within the volleyball program. As mentioned, Maddie
will often come early or stay late regarding practice, and yes, often to work at her craft. There are times, however,
when she does this to help a teammate. Many times, I will find Maddie showing up unexpectedly, and ask her
what she wants to work on when not otherwise planned. In these instances, Maddie’s response is she is done
with her academic work and knew a teammate or two were coming early to work on things, and wanted to join to
assist with what they may need for their development. She does this, rather than take extra time for herself.
Maddie also gives of herself in regards to recruiting. I am constantly asking Maddie to host and spend time with
prospective student-athletes, and she always says yes. In fact, she will come to me and find out if a prospect is
coming and how she can help. I use Maddie a lot because I want our prospective athletes to know her, and
realize Maddie is a model of how we expect our student-athletes to act and serve our team.
As a sophomore, Maddie has been asked to join our team’s Leadership Council. This opportunity speaks to the
overall value Maddie has as a member of our Women’s Volleyball team, and she is the youngest member of the
Council. Maddie is a widely respected member of the program and has earned an added level of influence over
the direction of the team through her actions. I look forward to Maddie serving the program in this capacity and
in continuing to mentor her as a leader.
Maddie Zwickl will be a hard-working, driven, selfless member of your organization. Should you wish to speak
further, please contact me at 845-257-3919.
Sincerely,
Matt Giufre
Matt Giufre
Head Women’s Volleyball Coach
New Paltz- State University of New York