Madisen Skinner

Early life

Skinner grew up in Katy, Texas, where she attended Faith West Academy. She emerged as one of the nation's top recruits while playing alongside her sister, Avery Skinner, who would also become a collegiate and professional volleyball standout. During her high school career, Skinner recorded over 1,000 kills and established herself as one of the premier outside hitters in the country.

College career — Kentucky Wildcats & Texas Longhorns (2020–2024)

Skinner made an immediate impact as a freshman at Kentucky, earning SEC All-Freshman Team and All-SEC honors while recording 19 kills in the Wildcats' 2020 national championship victory over Texas — the first NCAA title in program history. After two seasons in Lexington she transferred to Texas, where she became one of the most decorated players in Longhorns history. She helped Texas win back-to-back NCAA National Championships in 2022 and 2023, was named the 2023 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, the 2023 Big 12 Player of the Year, the 2023 VolleyballMag National Player of the Year, and the 2023 Honda Sport Award winner. As a senior in 2024 she recorded 409 kills, 4.35 kills per set, and earned First Team All-SEC honors.

Awards & honors

Playing career

Following graduation, Skinner signed with LOVB Austin. In the inaugural LOVB championship weekend she scored 73 points across three matches — recording 63 kills, six blocks, four aces, and 22 digs — leading Austin to the inaugural LOVB title and earning Finals MVP honors.

Skinner made her senior U.S. Women's National Team debut during the 2024 Volleyball Nations League and has since become part of the next generation of American outside hitters competing on the international stage, including the 2025 Volleyball Nations League and 2025 FIVB Women's World Championship.

Playing style

Skinner is known for elite attacking power, high-volume scoring, strong transition offense, a competitive mentality, clutch postseason performances, and versatility as both an outside hitter and opposite. Her ability to elevate her game during NCAA Tournament competition became one of the defining characteristics of her collegiate career. Her responsibilities on the court include:

• Elite attacking power
• High-volume scoring
• Strong transition offense
• Clutch postseason performances
• Versatility as both outside hitter and opposite

Beyond volleyball

Skinner has become one of the most recognizable faces in American volleyball. Her success at Kentucky, Texas, Team USA, and LOVB has helped grow the visibility of women's volleyball in the United States while establishing her as one of the sport's premier stars.

Career timeline

1. 2020 — Wins NCAA National Championship with Kentucky
2. 2021 — Earns All-SEC honors and transfers to Texas
3. 2022 — Wins NCAA National Championship with Texas
4. 2023 — Named National Player of the Year and wins second consecutive NCAA title at Texas
5. 2024 — Makes U.S. Women's National Team debut
6. 2025 — Wins inaugural LOVB Championship and named LOVB Finals MVP
7. 2025 — Competes in VNL and FIVB Women's World Championship with Team USA

Personal information

Last updated: 2026-06-13