Bob Jones Volleyball Phenom and UAB Commit Crowned Huntsville Times Female Athlete of the Year in Stunning Triumph…Read More…
In a moment that electrified the local sports scene, Bob Jones High School’s volleyball sensation and University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) signee, Madison Reeves, was officially named the Huntsville Times Female Athlete of the Year, capping off a senior season filled with dominance, resilience, and inspiration.
At just 17 years old, Reeves has become a household name in Alabama’s high school athletic circles. Her journey from a quiet middle school student with raw talent to one of the state’s most formidable volleyball players is the stuff of legend—and her recent honor is the crowning jewel of a remarkable prep career.
A Season to Remember
Madison Reeves didn’t just play volleyball—she owned the court. As the senior outside hitter and captain of the Bob Jones Patriots, she led her team to a 42-6 overall record and a trip to the state semifinals. Her stats were jaw-dropping: over 500 kills, 300 digs, 60 aces, and a hitting percentage north of .400. But beyond numbers, what made Reeves stand out was her unmatched energy and leadership—qualities that made her not just a star, but an anchor for her teammates.
“She wasn’t just our best player,” said Bob Jones head coach Tara Bishop. “She was our heart and soul. Whether it was a close fifth set or a routine practice, Madison brought the same intensity and positivity every single day.”
Her performances this season included several game-winning plays and breakout moments that caught the attention of scouts, fans, and local media alike. One highlight came during a tense regional final against Hoover High, where Reeves racked up 27 kills and 19 digs in a thrilling five-set victory that sent the Patriots to state.
UAB’s Rising Star
Reeves’ commitment to the University of Alabama at Birmingham was announced in the fall of 2024, and it sent waves across the state’s volleyball scene. A top-10 recruit in the Southeast and the No. 1-ranked outside hitter in Alabama, Reeves had offers from SEC and ACC schools, but chose UAB for reasons that reflect her character.
“I wanted to go somewhere I could make an immediate impact and be a part of building something special,” Reeves explained. “The UAB program felt like home. The coaches believed in me not just as a player, but as a person. That meant everything.”
Her soon-to-be coach at UAB, head coach Kristin Noblet, shared her excitement: “Madison is the kind of player every coach dreams of. She’s explosive, smart, and incredibly coachable. She’s going to be a game-changer for us.”
More Than an Athlete
What sets Reeves apart even more is her off-the-court impact. A straight-A student, she’s been involved in student government, volunteers weekly at a local children’s hospital, and runs a summer youth volleyball clinic in Madison County.
“She’s the total package,” said Principal Sylvia Howard. “When we talk about role models in our community, Madison is at the top of that list. She’s humble, hardworking, and always puts others before herself.”
Her teammates echoed similar sentiments. Junior setter Ava Simmons said, “Madison never made you feel like she was the star. She encouraged all of us to be better, not just as players but as people. She’s our big sister and our biggest cheerleader.”
The Night of Recognition
The Huntsville Times Female Athlete of the Year Award was presented during the paper’s annual high school sports banquet at the Von Braun Center. The event, which honors the region’s top male and female athletes, coaches, and programs, drew a crowd of nearly 500.
When Reeves’ name was announced, the room erupted into applause. Dressed in an elegant navy-blue gown, she walked to the stage with tears in her eyes.
“I’m overwhelmed,” she said during her acceptance speech. “This honor means so much because it’s not just about me. It’s about every coach who pushed me, every teammate who lifted me up, and my family who supported me through everything. I’m proud to represent Bob Jones and proud to be from Huntsville.”
Reeves also dedicated the award to her late grandfather, a former volleyball coach, who passed away two years ago.
“He was the one who put a volleyball in my hand when I was six,” she said. “He told me I was going to be special—and I just hope I made him proud.”
A Future Full of Promise
With graduation behind her and the next chapter at UAB on the horizon, the buzz around Madison Reeves isn’t slowing down anytime soon. She’s expected to make an immediate impact as a freshman, and some analysts believe she has the potential to become an All-Conference USA selection in her first year.
But even with the spotlight growing brighter, Reeves remains grounded.
“I just want to keep working, keep learning, and keep making my community proud,” she said. “This is only the beginning.”
And if her high school career is any indication, that beginning is nothing short of extraordinary. Huntsville may have crowned a champion, but the volleyball world is about to meet a future star—and her name is Madison Reeves.
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