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Player Profile: Paige Matey

The captain of the Women's Club Volleyball team talks her time at RMU and experiences with the team

By: Isabella Marasco
Paige Matey Feature Graphic

Women's Volleyball | 4/25/2023 9:30:00 AM

RMU Data Anayltics Graduate Student, Paige Matey, discusses her time at the University, challenges she has faced, and her love for the game. 

As Captain of the club volleyball team, Matey is no stranger to working hard and going after what she wants. The Middle Blocker from West Mifflin Pa. is in her tenth year playing volleyball as it has become a second home to her. And after participating in travel volleyball for two years and playing throughout most of her life, it seemingly made sense to continue. And despite being hesitant to join during her freshman year at RMU, she realized nothing was going to keep her from continuing. 

"I emailed people that ran the club about tryouts and ended up loving it. I never felt homesick or awkward. Everyone was so welcoming and I knew it was where I was meant to be," Matey says.

And RMU club volleyball isn't the only organization she feels she was meant to be a part of. She feels the University itself has been pretty perfect in regard to everything she's been able to accomplish.

Matey describes, "RMU has been amazing. I'm honestly depressed about leaving. Academically, I have learned way more than expected within my field and got a little bit of everything I needed. Not only do I feel very well rounded, but I feel as though I have been able to gain my own independence while being close to home,"

And family is important to Matey as she credits her overall success to her mom. She always pushed Paige and had her try everything until she found an activity that she liked.

"My mom drove me everywhere, to all of my tournaments. She encouraged me to never quit, but to simply try new things if something wasn't for me. So, go mom!"

And quitting has never been an option considering the challenges Matey has faced. No team ever goes without its obstacles, but it's all about how you approach it, which is something that is made clear. Throughout her time as captain, Matey discovered the value in learning the strong suits of others and encouraging people to execute their best quality. 

"It's a difficult thing to be criticized for your coaching by your peers," Matey expresses "But it allowed me to be a leader, make the calls, and stand up for what's right. Overtime, I learned to take the opinions of others with a grain of salt while always making sure to take them into consideration. Above all, all I ever want is what is best for the team,"

Volleyball has given Matey a lot. It's given her a team, leadership skill, and it has allowed her to step out of her comfort zone.

"It's really important to step out of your comfort zone and make friends. My advice to people is to join everything, don't be shy, make friends, break out of your shell. Don't care what others think, care what you think. Joining things and meeting people with similar interests as you is really important - it makes your college experience what it is,"
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Players Mentioned

Paige Matey

#16 Paige Matey

Senior

Players Mentioned

Paige Matey

#16 Paige Matey

Senior

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