Augusta University volleyball alumna Madelyn Eden heads to USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program

By Jaxon Garner | Editor in Chief

Augusta University volleyball standout Madelyn Eden is set to take the next step in her career, traveling to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to participate in the USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program from Feb. 21-23.

The WNT Open Program serves as a key evaluation opportunity for athletes aiming to earn a spot on the U.S. Women’s National Team or other USA Volleyball age-group national teams.

“This is something I couldn’t even fathom,” Eden said. “You get to be part of something bigger than yourself. Seeing all the big leagues and professional teams is just surreal.”

The program will be led by new U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Erik Sullivan and his staff. Representatives from professional volleyball leagues, including League One Volleyball (LOVB), the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), and Athletes Unlimited, will also be in attendance.

More than 160 collegiate volleyball players will participate, ranging from national powerhouses to Division III schools. Regardless of their background, each athlete will be striving for the same goal.

Eden has been a force for the Jaguars since transferring from Saint Leo University in 2022. As a graduate student in 2024, she averaged 1.79 kills per set, showcasing her all-around impact on the court.

Her best statistical season came in 2024, when she ranked second in the Peach Belt Conference in blocks per set (1.27). Some of her standout performances included a season-high 14 kills against Lander on Nov. 22 and an impressive eight blocks against Georgia College on Nov. 15.

Eden also played a pivotal role in the 2023 season, leading Augusta with 1.29 blocks per set and earning PBC Tournament MVP honors, cementing her legacy as one of the program’s top players.

Although her collegiate volleyball career has come to a close, Eden remains active at Augusta University, working as a graduate administrative assistant in the registrar’s office. She continues training with the AU team, preparing for her next chapter.

“I was so blessed to have the coaches reach out and offer me an opportunity to stick around and prepare for what’s next,” Eden said. “I’ve been seeing all the new girls coming in and building connections with the recruits.”

She remains deeply involved in the sport, balancing her professional volleyball aspirations with intensive training and officiating junior volleyball tournaments on weekends.

“Now that the college season is over, I have more time to work and finish my master’s classes,” Eden said. “Training is much easier than it was in season—I don’t have as much on my plate and can get a lot more done.”

As she heads to Colorado Springs, Eden is proving that her journey is far from over. Whether she’s blocking shots at the net or working behind the scenes, she remains dedicated to the game she loves.

“My goal with volleyball is to play professionally,” Eden said. “Whether that means traveling across the world or becoming a founding player in the Pro Volleyball Federation.”

Fans can follow Eden’s journey on Instagram at @madiejo_eden. The entire WNT Open Program will be streamed live on BallerTV with a subscription.

All photos via Madelyn Eden/Facebook.

Contact Jaxon Garner at jaxgarner@augusta.edu.