Meet the Coach: Maddy Felty, Women’s Volleyball

Coach Maddy Felty has been a driving force behind the Penn State Schuylkill women's volleyball program for the past three years and has coached the sport for a total of five. A native of Schuylkill Haven, Felty's connection to the area runs deep and her ties to the campus are personal. Before becoming a coach, she played for Penn State Schuylkill during the 2021–22 season. In her 18-match season, she recorded 135 kills, 52 errors on 393 total attacks for a .211 hitting percentage. She also added 14 assists, 23 service aces, 94 digs, and 73 total blocks. She finished the year with 224.0 total points and an average of 3.9 points per set. Her impact on the court reflected the leadership qualities that would later define her coaching.

"My mom coached my high school team, and I was basically around volleyball since I was in elementary school," Felty said. Although she didn't start playing competitively until her freshman year of high school, the sport quickly became a major part of her life. Her experience as a student-athlete at Schuylkill helped her rediscover her love for the game. "I wanted to see the program that allowed me to find the love for the sport again grow and flourish into something special and big," she said. "This program has allowed me to change my perspective as a coach who once played here. I allow my girls to make mistakes, embrace change and growth. Sports are not just about playing the game. It's also about adapting to new and challenging situations around the sport and outside of sports."

Felty's transition into coaching came with challenges. When the head coach left in the middle of the season, she stepped up from assistant coach and kept the team together. Under her leadership, the team improved and stayed focused. She is now helping to grow the program's future with 10 and counting incoming recruits for the 2025 season, one of the largest classes in recent years.

Her goals for the upcoming season are focused on both performance and culture. "Prove that Schuylkill is competitive. Create a fun yet competitive environment that allows my girls to grow and be who they are with no judgment." She looks for character and team-first attitudes in her players. "I always look to see how girls treat their teammate and how they receive feedback. Being a team player is more important to me than how many kills or digs you have."

Felty has strong memories as both a player and a coach. "When we played against Penn State Mont Alto in the quarterfinals, I think I had like 15 blocks, but I honestly just had so much fun playing with the girls," she said. As a coach, she takes pride in the growth of her players. "Specifically Tiffany. She has worked so hard to get where she was this year. She is such a great person on and off the court. I loved playing and coaching her. She is someone I was so proud to coach."

She offers honest advice to young athletes. "Do NOT take the mistakes seriously. It's easier said than done, but in the end it's just a sport and no one will remember any of the mistakes you made. It's okay to get frustrated and talk it out, but it's worse to keep it in and take it out on yourself, which leads to the team dynamic falling."

Felty's connection to Penn State Schuylkill goes beyond her own journey. "My best friend went to Schuylkill," she said, adding to the personal ties that keep her grounded in the community. She credits her support system on campus for helping her grow as a coach. "I am so appreciative of everyone at Schuylkill, especially in athletics. Owen and Kayla have to deal with all my craziness and stressful days, but they seriously make coaching there worth it. Kate and Maysen are always a voice of reason between me and my girls. They're so insightful and helpful. I would not be the player and coach I am if it wasn't for PSU Schuylkill. It has shaped me to better myself so I can better the program, but more importantly, my girls."

From hometown athlete to head coach, Maddy Felty is committed to building a strong, supportive volleyball program and helping her players grow both on and off the court.