Madisen Skinner nabs Final Four most outstanding player award after Texas wins NCAA title

TAMPA, Fla.  — With a jaw-dropping blend of athleticism and efficiency, Texas outside hitter Madisen Skinner was a near-unanimous selection as the NCAA women’s volleyball Final Four most outstanding player.

Not that she particularly cared for an individual award.

“It’s for everybody,” Skinner said, referring to the honor she received after helping Texas sweep Nebraska in Sunday’s championship match. “I mean, it’s cool and it’s awesome, and I’ve worked really hard to get to this point.

“I love celebrating individual awards, but I want a national championship for my team. I want every single one of these girls to have a ring because they deserve it. And they put in so much work to get to this point. And for me, individual stuff means nothing if your team’s not coming first and coming out on top. So I’m just super proud of this group and so excited that we all get to enjoy this and get a trophy.”

More: Ella Swindle, Bergen Reilly starring for Texas and Nebraska as freshmen, set for a title

Skinner proved unstoppable in both of Texas’ matches in Tampa. In Thursday’s 3-1 win over Wisconsin in the semifinals, the junior fired 18 kills and set a Final Four record for aces in a match with six. She followed that up with 16 kills on 33 swings and another two aces against overwhelmed Nebraska.

The American Volleyball Caches Association already handed out its player of the year award to Wisconsin’s Sarah Franklin, but the chatter among the media members after Sunday’s finals hinted at Skinner winning any other such awards.

Skinner ended this season averaging 4.8 kills a set and led Texas in aces while earning the Big 12’s player of the year award as well as a first-team All-American nod from the AVCA. She batted down any praise aimed at her on Sunday while complimenting teammates such as middle blockers Asjia O’Neal and Bella Bergmark and setter Ella Swindle.

“Asjia does a great job of pulling the block on the slide — you have to respect the slide,” Skinner said. “I’ll say it again — and the same thing with Bella and our right-side as well. They’re just giving me a lot of space, and Ella has great vision.”

Oh, and Skinner also gave a nod to mother Rebecca Skinner and father Brian Skinner, who played a dozen years in the NBA.

“Yeah, thank you to my parents for great genetics and giving the hops and whatnot,” she said, flashing a grin in the postgame press conference.