Madeline Baird '12 is an expert killer on the volleyball court as Dartmouth's star outside hitter, that is. One of the best players in Dartmouth volleyball history, Baird has led the Big Green in multiple categories since she began her Dartmouth career four years ago. During Friday's match against Princeton University, Baird surpassed 1,180 career kills, shattering the team's all-time kills record.
With only four matches left in her Big Green career, Baird said she plans on maintaining her hard-work mentality in order to help lead Dartmouth to its best team finish in program history.
With 16 kills on Friday against Princeton which was ranked first in the Ivy League at the time Baird surpassed the record previously held by Anne Murray '00. Baird now has 1,208 career kills and leads the League in total kills. She is second in points.
"It's incredible," co-captain Annie Villanueva '12 said of Baird's record. "I'm so proud of her. This really is an amazing accomplishment."
Baird said she is proud of the record-setting performance, but is more excited about what the achievement signals for Dartmouth volleyball.
"We have a very strong senior class this year," Baird said. "I think this season really sets the tone for the future of Dartmouth volleyball, the direction of the coaches and players and the success of the program."
First-year head coach Erin Lindsey said Baird's success has added to the excitement of the Big Green's season.
"Maddy has been a go-to player here for four straight years now," she said. "Her caliber as a player and leader has been great for the team."
Baird added that she feels fortunate to have played for Lindsey, who was previously an assistant coach at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill for five years.
"Coach Lindsey came in with a fresh perspective and confidence," Baird said. "With her success as a [Division I] student-athlete in the past, she really connects well with the players."
Baird was named a Second Team All-Ivy player her junior and sophomore seasons. She finished last season with a team-high 359 kills and 16 service aces, and finished second on the team in digs and fourth in assists. Baird's 359 kills were the sixth-highest season total in Dartmouth history.
Baird, who Villanueva called a "quiet" leader, has served as a role model for the team's members.
"She is an unbelievable teammate," Villanueva said. "Maddy is a very steady leader in a quiet way. She always says what needs to be said at the right time. Her number-one priority is her teammates, and her consistency and constant effort are amazing examples for our team."
Co-captain Amber Bryant '12 said Baird is always focused on winning, and that her resolve helps motivate the rest of the team.
Baird is also very technically skilled Lindsey called Baird's court vision, arm speed jumping ability her strongest attributes.
"Baird is a player who always brings her best," Lindsey said. "She is comfortable, has a great feel for the game, and has a high volleyball IQ."
A four-year starter for the Big Green, Baird said her "whole philosophy is to get better with each practice and game."
Baird, who is from Austin, Texas, began playing volleyball in sixth grade. By high school, she was playing for a club team and her high school squad, and only took about three weeks off from volleyball each season.
Baird said her high school team's unity made her want to continue playing at the college level.
Baird, a government major and Spanish minor, said she is interested in global and international health issues. She gained experience studying at the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain during her sophomore Winter, and worked for a non-governmental organization in Bolivia during her junior Winter off-term. She is also involved in Big Green Readers, a service group that connects student-athletes with elementary school children.
The volleyball team, which currently sits in fourth place in the League, plays last-place Cornell University on Friday. With four matches left this season, Baird said the team hopes to finish on a high note.
"The seniors want to continue to be a good example to our younger players," Baird said. "I really hope we maximize our potential and keep using the confidence, skill set and talent we've had this year to inspire them."
The team plays its final match of the season at home against first-place Yale University on Nov. 12. Lindsey said she believes the Big Green could finish with its best-ever record if it plays well down the stretch.
Bryant said that maintaining the team's current attitude is critical to its future success.
"Most importantly, we would like to continue the culture that we've created this season," she said. "With Maddy's accomplishment and the success of this season, I think this team has left a legacy for Dartmouth volleyball."
