When volleyball is your dream, your outlet, and almost your entire world, how do you keep your identity and faith bigger than the game? Welcome to Oak Performance Radio, which explores what high-level performance actually demands. The show looks at training, preparation, and decision-making through the lens of real athletes, real coaches, and real environments on the field and beyond it. Episode Highlights In today’s episode, host Adam Lane sits down with Clemson volleyball outside hitter Maddie Anspaugh to talk about what it really takes to jump from a small high school program into ACC volleyball. Maddie shares how she graduated early, moved to Clemson, and now manages a demanding schedule filled with lifting, practice, class, and study hall. She also talks about leadership and followership on a Power 5 team, working through perfectionism and pressure, and keeping her faith and identity bigger than volleyball. Episode Outline From Rockford Christian to Clemson. Spring Volleyball in the ACC. Inside the Weight Room Daily Life of a Clemson Volleyball Player. Leadership, Followership, and Team Culture. Mindset, Perfectionism, and Mental Performance. Finding Joy and Identity Beyond Volleyball. Character, Conflict, and Owning Your Mistakes. Goals, Future, and What’s Next. Role Models and Giving Back. Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro & Maddie’s Clemson move 01:43 Spring volleyball & ACC pace 03:59 Serving, passing & speed of the game 05:42 Weight room training & conditioning tools 07:40 Daily schedule & academic demands 10:42 Sleep, habits & sports psychology 12:47 Leadership, followership & team culture 16:16 Mindset, perfectionism & faith 19:59 Identity beyond volleyball & Tim Tebow lesson 33:09 Character, conflict & apologizing to teammates 40:14 Physical toll of volleyball & future goals 43:21 Spring matches, pro dreams & closing Action Taken Maddie has joined Clemson early and is: Lifting four days a week and training in volleyball 2–3 hours daily. Attending leadership and followership sessions with Iron Leaders. Working regularly with a mental performance coach. Using Clemson’s ARC recovery center and support resources. Preparing for: First spring match vs. Furman Spring tournament vs. Georgia and UNC Asheville. Longer-term commitments Targeting graduation around May 2029 Exploring an MBA while still competing Keeping the door open for pro indoor or beach volleyball. Conclusion Maddie’s story shows what Division I volleyball actually looks like day to day early mornings, heavy training, and high expectations in the gym and in the classroom. It also shows how much the right mindset, teammates, coaches, and faith can shape that experience. For anyone wondering what it really takes to compete at a high level and still enjoy the game, Maddie gives a clear, honest look at the trade-offs, the rewards, and the kind of person you have to become along the way. Call To Action Follow Oak Performance Radio to keep up with more real conversations about what high performance truly demands. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakperformancelab Instagram: @oakperformance Connect with Maddie; @manspaugh7 Thank you for listening and for caring about what it really takes behind the scenes—not just the highlights on game day. Keep chasing big goals with the same honesty, work ethic, and perspective Maddie shared in this conversation.