ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WCIA) Hadley McDonald, a junior at St. Joseph-Ogden, is making waves as a standout volleyball player.
Remarkably, she plays nearly every set for the Spartans, achieving all this with the use of just one hand.
“We learned before her birth that Hadley would be without a left hand,” shared her mother, Abby McDonald, who also serves as the head volleyball coach at St. Joseph-Ogden.
Abby McDonald sought guidance from parents of other children with limb differences, receiving invaluable advice.
“We never imposed limits on her and always encouraged her to achieve things her own way, just like anyone else,” explained Hadley’s mom and coach.
While volleyball might seem particularly challenging with one hand, Hadley never hesitated. The sport was a natural choice for her, having grown up immersed in the atmosphere of her mother’s teams.
“Blaming it on my arm was never, ever an option when I was growing up,” Hadley McDonald said.
She fell in love with volleyball and dance. Now, she thrives in both.
“She has always pushed herself to do the hardest things in the world,” Addi Stevens, an SJO junior volleyball player said.
Stevens is one of McDonald’s closest friends. She is far from the only teammate inspired by the Hadley’s ability.
“If she can do it, [and] she’s great at it, it pushes us to work harder for us too,” St. Joseph-Ogden senior volleyball player Katie Ericksen said.
There are some areas of the game which come easier than others. Finding a way to make certain passes or sets often takes McDonald longer than others. None of that has ever held her back.
McDonald credits a strong support system of coaches, teammates, friends and family.
“No matter your differences you got to make sure you’re around people that truly care about you and truly support you,” she said. “That will help you go a long way.”
She also hopes there’s a lesson to be learned from her story.
“Always be determined,” she said. “Nothing will set you back if you put your mind to it.”
St. Joseph-Ogden lost to Unity in the regional quarterfinals on Tuesday. Hadley looks forward to continuing to find a way to be successful on the volleyball court as a senior — and on the dance floor, where she helped the Spartans win the IDTA State Championship during the 2024-25 school year.
