One week after signing a letter of intent to continue her volleyball career at Emporia State University, Cowley College sophomore Madisyn Pitts was recognized for being one of the school’s top students as she was named the March Student of the Month.
The STEM (general science) major is the daughter of Julie Harding and Robert Pitts.
Prior to coming to Cowley, she attended Goddard High School where she was involved in volleyball, choir, orchestra, and track and field. She was recruited to play volleyball at Cowley after leading Goddard High School to two final four state tournament appearances.
In her high school career, she was awarded Kansas All-State Honorable Mention, Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League’s (AVCTL II) Honorable Mention, and was named Goddard’s season MVP four times.
Pitts developed into one of the top right side hitters in the Jayhawk Conference during her freshman year at Cowley as she was named an honorable mention all-conference and Second Team all-district selection. She recorded 210 kills and 43 blocks as Cowley went 16-11.
This past season, she was limited to only eight matches due to injury. However, Pitts’ presence and leadership helped the Lady Tigers’ finish as the national runner-up and finish with a record of 41-1.
Along with volleyball, Pitts is also a Cowley Tutor. She was named to the Dean’s Honor Roll, was a two-time KJCCC All-Academic Team selection, and has a grade point average of 3.45.
“I work really hard in the classroom, so it is nice to be recognized for my work outside volleyball,” Pitts said. “After all, our education is why we are here at the end of the day.”
Cowley head volleyball coach Steven Gream said Pitts is a hard-working student-athlete who has had to balance her studies, working as a tutor, and being an athlete.
“She is a responsible young lady who strives to excel in everything she does including academics,” Gream said. “Being a Cowley volleyball player, she is active in the community with the various activities that the team does. Younger fans look up to her for her kindness and approachability.”
Although Pitts has signed to play volleyball at Emporia State University and continue her education, she is not looking forward to leaving Cowley.
“My time at Cowley has been awesome, I wish it were a four-year school,” Pitts said. “Every teacher I have had at Cowley has gone out of their way to make time for me, which you might not get at a bigger school. I love every little thing about Cowley, whether it be volleyball, the Lip Sync battle, or Arkalalah.”