Junior setter and captain Maggie Brindock has no problem being in the spotlight.
The Film, Television and Theater major, who is concentrating on Television, has been a consistent force and a true leader for the Irish this season both in her actions and words.
"I think I lead by example and I am a vocal leader," she said. "With being a setter, I run the offense, and it is crucial for me to be vocal during matches and practice to keep the flow of the team steady. I strive to be a leader by example as well because what I do off the court is just as important as what I do on the court."
Coaches and teammates certainly recognized Brindock's ability to guide the team in these ways, as they nominated her to be captain of the 2012 squad last spring.
"Knowing that they trust and support me as a leader of this team is a great feeling," she said. "This role brings a lot of responsibilities, but it is all worth it. I want to be there for my teammates, in any way, and be an example on and off the court."
Brindock had an example of her own to follow in her older sister, Tess, who played collegiate volleyball for Angelo State (Texas).
"She was a leader, and a captain, and took on that role by being a great example on and off the court," Brindock said. "She was a selfless player, and trusted in herself and her teammates. She was compassionate and driven to be at her best each day because she expected nothing less."
Brindock has been able to emulate her older sister and be an example for the Irish. She and tri-captains, junior right-side hitter Andrea McHugh and senior opposite side hitter Marie Roof have successfully led the team through tough competition so far this season. The Irish are 7-5 overall, as they look to begin conference play this weekend. Four of their five losses have come against ranked opponents.
"The season so far has been going well," Brindock said. "We have taken on some tough opponents, and even though we may not have come out with the win, we have learned a lot about the game and ourselves as a team each match. We work hard each day in practice, and we get better every day.
"We know what we need to improve on, and we take on those challenges to become a better team both physically and mentally. As a team, we have very high expectations and goals to achieve throughout the season. We take each opponent, one at a time, and focus on the goal of getting better every opportunity we have to play."
Notre Dame's latest milestone came against a Kansas team that had previously been on a nine-game winning streak. Brindock broke her career-high by contributing 51 assists. She also tallied 10 digs, five kills and three blocks.
"My favorite aspect of the game its high energy and competitiveness," she said. "I love to compete, and hate to lose. With that, the game can change at any moment. An underdog could be on top at any time, and the competition is never dull."
Brindock and the Irish will be back to work this weekend when they travel to Cincinnati on Friday.
Contact Laura Coletti at
lcoletti@nd.edu
