Volleyball Announces Class of 2029
6/11/2025
Brown Volleyball Head Coach Taylor Virtue has announced the addition of four student-athletes to the team that will join the program in the fall.
The class includes newcomers Gracie Griffin, Sarah Shaw, Maddie Smith and Madeline van Brederode.
“I am thrilled to welcome the class of 2029 into our program this coming fall! Sarah, Maddy, Gracie and Maddie will be incredible additions to our culture and will undoubtedly push our level of competition,” said Virtue. "Through the recruiting process each of them displayed a love for Brown, a selflessness that will help guide our team and a desire to work hard in pursuit of championships. All four of these athletes have had successful juniors volleyball careers, winning and playing for some of the best clubs in the nation. Sarah and Maddy will add physicality to our roster on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball while Gracie and Maddie will increase our depth from ball control standpoint. I cannot wait to have them on College Hill with us come August!"
Scroll to find an in-depth look at each new Bear below.
Gracie Griffin
Outside Hitter | New York, N.Y. | Riverdale Country School
- Played for Brooklyn Elite Volleyball
- Named First Team All-Ivy Prep and MVP as both a sophomore and senior
- Named Second Team All-Ivy Prep League as a freshman
Planned Concentration: Political Science
Why Brown?: “In making my college decision, I was determined to find an institution where I could continue developing as an athlete in an environment with a rigorous academic focus. I appreciated that Brown's ethos centers around intellectual curiosity and collaboration. I came to Brown with varied academic interests, so I valued the school's open curriculum in which there are ample opportunities to explore various fields of study without the intense pressure to immediately commit to one path.”
Maddy Smith
Outside Hitter | Alexandria, Va. | Homeschooled
- 2019 and 2020 USA Volleyball High Performance Future Select
- 2021 AVCA Phenom program
- 2022 USAV GJNC All-Tournament Team
- Three-time USAV National Team Development Program
- Played for Metro Volleyball Club of DC
Planned Concentration: English
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because it was the only college that felt like home. From the volleyball team to the rest of campus, it was clear that Brown University is one big family. Additionally, the rigorous academics and competitive athletics drew me in. I've always dreamed of playing volleyball at the Division I level, and being able to do so while receiving an extraordinary education is something I will forever be grateful for.”
Sarah Shaw
Middle Blocker | Newbury Park, Calif. | Chaminade College Preparatory
- First Team All-Tri Valley League in 2022, 2023 and 2024
- First Team All-Mission League in 2025
- First Team All-Ventura County in 2023 and 2024
- Team MVP in 2022, 2023 and 2024
- Tri-Valley MVP in 2024
- Offensive Player of the Year in 2025
- All-CIF SS Division 5 First Team in 2023 and 2024
- 2021 CIF SS Academic Award
- Ranked 39th in California 2025 Prep Dig ranking
Planned Concentration: Chemistry
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because the campus felt like home to me. Everyone I met was so welcoming, genuine, and spoke so highly of their experience here. I was drawn to Brown's unique blend of competitive athletics and high academics, especially the open curriculum. From the start, I could tell the volleyball program was the right fit. The team culture and coaching staff stood out as something truly special, and I knew I wanted to be part of it.”
Madeline van Brederode
Libero/Defensive Specialist | Provo, Utah | Timpview High Shcool
- 5A State Champion in 2022-23
- Third Place finish at USAV Nationals National Division 15u
- All-State Third Team
- All-Region Second Team
- Played for Club V and Elevate Athletics
Planned Concentration: Business Economics
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because of the way it immediately felt like home. The volleyball staff and team were incredibly welcoming, and I was drawn to their strong work ethic and genuine sense of camaraderie. Academically, Brown’s open curriculum is a perfect fit for me and I love the freedom to explore the different fields. I also value the more personal, discussion-based teaching environment where individual voices are heard.”
