MY LETU STORY: Maddy Hirneise

NOTE: This is part of a series on letuathletics.com with feature stories written by senior student-athletes about their time at LeTourneau and the impact it has made on them.

By: Maddy Hirneise | Sr. | Volleyball

Being a YellowJacket means being part of a community that has helped shape who I am and who I want to become. 

When I first came to LeTourneau, I was excited to play volleyball, pursue aviation, and experience college. I did not fully understand how much I would grow here. Looking back on these four years, being a YellowJacket means learning to serve, building lasting relationships, persevering through challenges, and, most importantly, growing closer to Christ.

Volleyball has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time at LeTourneau. 

My teammates became the people I shared both the exciting moments and the difficult days with. Through long practices, road trips, wins, and losses, we built relationships that went beyond the court. Being part of this team taught me to work toward a common goal and support others even when I was facing my own challenges. The best outcome of college athletics was not how many digs I had or if I started or not, but it was the relationships I gained and the sisters in Christ I surround myself with.

Serving as a captain for two seasons helped me grow as a leader. I learned that leadership means being consistent, listening, and setting an example through my actions. It means having difficult conversations, encouraging teammates, and putting the team’s needs ahead of my own. Serving as co-president of SAAC also gave me opportunities to support other student athletes. These roles taught me that leadership is an opportunity to serve and care for others. 

I’m so grateful for the example Jesus gave me in how I should lead others. Without His guidance, I would not be in any of these positions.

The greatest transformation during my time at LeTourneau has been in my faith. Before coming here, I believed in God, but my relationship with Him was not the priority it is today. I had not
experienced what it meant to be surrounded by a community that consistently pointed me toward Christ. Being around professors, coaches, and friends who lived out their faith helped me recognize how much I wanted to grow in my own faith.

My team reflected what having a relationship with Christ looked like. I began making time for God because I wanted to know Him more deeply. I learned to turn to Him during uncertainty, trust Him when my plans changed, and recognize His faithfulness in everyday life. 

LeTourneau helped me understand that following Christ should shape how I lead, treat people, and approach my future. I am still growing, but I am leaving with a stronger foundation and a desire to keep pursuing Him.

Being a YellowJacket means carrying that transformation with me. 

This place has given me much more than an education and memories. It has given me people who challenged me, encouraged me, and showed me Christ’s love. I hope to offer that same care to others. I am forever grateful for LeTourneau and what this place has done for me. It has transformed my volleyball career, my flight career, and my relationship with Christ in ways I never thought would happen three-and-a-half years ago.

Maddy Hirneise #7