Madison Shields capped off an outstanding career with the Pepperdine women's indoor volleyball team in the fall. She was the 2020 West Coast Conference Libero of the Year and a two-time All-WCC selection who helped Pepperdine to three NCAA Tournaments. She had 1,152 career digs, ninth-most in program history. Now, she turns her attention to the sand, where she'll compete for Pepperdine's beach volleyball team for the first time this spring:
 
Q: What are your thoughts on your now-completed indoor career? What does that feel like?
 
A: Honestly, it feels like a dream and being done hasn't quite hit me yet. I've been playing this sport for almost 10 years and it has been such a big part of my life. Competing at Pepperdine has been a dream of mine since I started playing at age 13 and I am beyond grateful that I had this opportunity. I honestly will never forget the memories that I made with my amazing teammates and also the ways in which I had to persevere through some challenging times. I learned so much about myself over the last four years. The program and people have shaped me into the person I am today.
 
Q: How has your work ethic in the classroom helped your work ethic in your sport as well as vice versa?
 
A: My work ethic in the classroom has taught me about discipline and time management, which are some of the most important qualities a student-athlete could have. Being a student-athlete at Pepperdine is challenging but rewarding and special. Both my work ethic in sport and in the classroom have taught me that I must hold myself to high standards in order to be successful. Striving in the classroom and on the court has taught me the importance of making sacrifices in order to be successful in the long run. 
 
Q: How was the transition from indoor to beach?
 
A: The transition from indoor to beach was not as challenging as I thought it would be. I have been going back and forth between sports for a few years now. The weirdest but coolest part was just getting to know my new teammates and coaches and learn the system of the team. I love the intensity and competitiveness of practices. I am definitely ready to devote the next couple of months to being uncomfortable, pushing myself, and learning a lot with a great group of people.
 
Q: What are your hopes for this year's beach season?
 
A: The goal is to win the WCC championship. I haven't been around the team that long but I can tell that all of the girls are working hard and buying into getting better and pushing themselves every practice. We have been working hard in the weight room and on the beach this preseason. I believe we are ready to compete with the top teams in the nation. Ultimately, I think it would be amazing to qualify for Gulf Shores. 
 
Q: What has been your biggest motivator in athletics and academics?
 
A: My biggest motivator has honestly been myself and my support system. I have an amazing support system (family, trainers, friends) who have made a lot of sacrifices to help get me where I am today. Alongside these external motivators, I feel like holding myself to high standards has gotten me where I am today. I constantly want to challenge myself in order to reach new levels and goals.
 
Q: What has been your biggest takeaway from being an athlete here at Pepperdine?
 
A: My biggest takeaway is much more than any stat or accomplishment but rather the overall experience and ways in which I have grown as both an athlete and person of faith. It has proven to me that I can accomplish difficult things and how important hard work is in living out your dreams. 
 
Q: What would be one piece of advice you would give to other athletes that want to play indoor and beach?
 
A: One piece of advice is to work on your mental game. At a high level, confidence and mental preparation is what will often set you farther apart than any athleticism or skill. If you dial in your mental game, the physical aspects will come much easier and will set you apart from your competition. I learned this the hard way as mentality was something that I really had to work on the last four years. 
 
Q: Lastly, what were the biggest effects that COVID-19 had on your college experience and athletic career?
 
A: Honestly, COVID and the rules/issues have been tough on my athletic career, but not in a particularly challenging way. I know that this has been out of our control but I would like to think that it was a blessing in disguise. It made me so much more grateful to compete and get back onto the court with my teammates. I also grew a lot as an athlete and person when I was sent back home to train. It definitely helped me reframe my mindset and come into my last two years fresh and with a lot of goals.