Airedale at heart
Passionate Brogan gives her all
By Kevin Taylor
Alma Schools
Maggie Brogan has never had a bad day. Not in kindergarten, middle school, or high school.
But she does admit this year’s senior group of volleyball players is the best she’s ever played with. “There’s no drama whatsoever,” she boasted.
Brogan’s grit and determination accompany her wherever she is, whether it’s in Sara Bruns-Putman’s AP Lit class or making plays on the volleyball court.
It’s in her DNA.
“My family is highly competitive and emotional, especially my dad (Jody), since he’s played college baseball and knows what it takes to get there,” explains Maggie, who has been a prominent fixture in Alma coach Kimberly Weaver’s volleyball program for the past three years.
“(My dad) has pretty much been my biggest encouragement, along with my uncle Dallas (Smith) — having those two in my corner during my athletic career has really meant a lot to me. I want to make them proud.”
Representing Alma comes as naturally as taking in the air itself. Her mom, Brandi, bleeds green. To wear the ‘A’ on her uniform means the world to Maggie Brogan.
“It means a lot to me personally, because my family is so invested in this school district, and being able to represent the Airedales in such a good way genuinely means the world to me,” she said. “There’s no other school I would play for. Even if we don’t always win, I think the Alma pride is so much stronger than anywhere else — we care more.”
Brogan is on the fence when it comes to playing at the next level, she said. “(But) I think I would have had to have gotten my name out there a lot quicker. I’ve had people ask me about it, and I would have if it wasn’t too late.”
Brogan and senior teammates Breella Hughes, Chloe Gregory, and Ah Lea Henson are Weaver’s first group of seniors to come through her program from start to finish.
“I think playing with the girls is such a joy to me,” Brogan said. “This year, we’ve had no drama. It’s been so fun; it’s been a great senior year.”
This group has also meshed well with younger players, like junior libero Bailee Oliver and freshman setter Ryleigh Floyd.
“I love playing with Ryleigh, and I love playing with Bailee,” Brogan said. “I think being on the court with these girls, I genuinely trust them with my whole body. Coach Weaver has been there for us, through both the good times and the bad.”
Brogan believes the foundation is strong, given the junior high team has been so competitive with a core that includes some eighth graders. Brogan has become a strong player, she said, having started playing club ball in elementary school.
“I think club ball (Fort Smith Juniors) really helps you develop, because you’re playing with different people,” she said. “You don’t go to school with them, so you have to learn how to work with them. I think that helps you develop as a teammate; I’ve learned a whole lot through club.”
The Lady Airedales opened the second half of 5A-West play boasting a 2-5 record in league play, which included some hard losses to Shiloh Christian, Farmington, and Van Buren.
Brogan had a team-high 14 kills in Thursday’s 24-26, 25-16, 25-18, 25-22 loss to unbeaten Farmington.
“It’s been very frustrating, honestly, because I know that this team can (win), and I believe that this team can — I don’t know why we haven’t been able to pull through,” Brogan said. “I think every match, we’ve played up to the competition. I just think that we need to learn to finish stronger.”