Madi Demler’s signing with Ohio Dominican University continues some impressive athletic traditions. She adds to the history of two storied volleyball programs, joins the college ranks of another, and extends her family’s legacy.
Though highly appreciative of this moment in her life, Demler sees it in much simpler terms. “I’m just thankful I get to play volleyball,” she said. “I’ve always loved playing.”
Demler is the third volleyball-playing member of her family and the latest in a long line of players coming out of the perennially successful Northern Kentucky Volleyball Club. Likewise, the St. Henry High School topliner is yet another stellar talent under the direction of veteran coach Maureen Kaiser.
The coach has been doing this for so long that she shares an unusual tie with Demler and Demler’s mother. Madi Demler followed her mom onto the court as a Crusaders volleyball standout. They both played for Kaiser, who has won more than 800 career matches.
What’s more, the senior follows her mother and father as a collegiate athlete. “I feel like overall I get my competitiveness from my parents,” Demler said.
Ohio Dominican, an NCAA Division II program in Columbus, finished 26‑6 this past season and qualified for the national tournament. Demler will join a roster rich with northern Kentucky talent. This includes longtime NKYVC teammate Katie Zwick and Zwick’s Notre Dame Academy teammate Lizzy Larkins.
Demler’s mom, the former Jeni Brockman, went from St. Henry to Eastern Kentucky University. She earned a full volleyball scholarship and enjoyed some solid seasons. Both her daughters, Jocelyn at Villa Madonna then Madi, continued the family interest.
“I have had the privilege of coaching Madi Demler for the past four years and also teaching her in freshman health class, just as I did for her mother years ago,” Kaiser said. “Like her mom, Madi played outside hitter, but she brought even more versatility. She could pass, defend and set with ease. Her hands are beautiful. Her court awareness is exceptional, and it’s clear she learned the game from one of the best. Jeni taught her well.”
Kaiser said she has no doubt that Demler will make an immediate impact at Ohio Dominican. “She is prepared, driven and ready,” the coach said.
Demler draws on impressive genes from both sides of the family. Her mom has been teaching for more than 20 years, four at Immaculate Heart of Mary School where she teaches physical education to all grades. She’s kept ties with Kaiser as St. Henry head freshman volleyball coach.
Demler’s father, St. Henry athletic director Jim Demler, was a pitcher at Dixie Heights. He later pitched at Northern Kentucky University where he earned all-conference honors. His .750 career winning percentage ranks fourth all-time at NKU.
Few people were in a better position than the St. Henry AD to see how Kaiser expertly balances care for her players. Madi battled back from a stress fracture in her right leg that sidelined her from May through most of summer.
“She tried to start practice on the first day with the team but was still not right,” her father said. “Thank goodness coach Kaiser noticed and shut her down. She went back in a boot and was cleared right before the season started.”
A well-decorated athlete
The leg injury forced Demler to miss Club Nationals. It also limited her early production for St. Henry, but she regained form as the prep year progressed.
Demler closed her senior season with 195 kills and 152 assists. She added 31 service aces for the 24-16 Crusaders, the 9th Region runner-up. She ranked among team leaders in each category while playing at less than 100% during the early weeks.
Despite the limitations, she once again reaped a windfall of honors this year.
The senior followed her second straight Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association Preseason All-State Watch List selection with multiple awards. Included was an American Volleyball Coaches Association Best and Brightest First Team honor.
Locally, Demler is a 2025 Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference Division II All Star. She was also a KHSAA Ninth Region all-tournament selection and Crusaders team MVP.
As a junior she led the Crusaders in kills and was second in assists. That helped her earn KVCA all‑state honorable mention and multiple area honors.
“Her stats were a bit lower compared to her junior year,” her father said of this year’s dip due to injury. “I’m proud of her for working through adversity. She never gave up.”
Though naturally cheery and full of laughter, there is a toughness that Demler inherits from each parent.
By all accounts, both mom and dad were hard workers when they played competitive sports. Both had to have the ball pried away from them before they moved on to next phases of their careers.
“Madi shares that same passion for volleyball and those impressive hops that made her mom such a standout,” Kaiser said.
Leaving her own legacy
For the younger Demler, the Ohio Dominican signing represents the culmination of years of growth and resilience at St. Henry. Her career totals include 674 kills, 704 assists and 658 digs.
The Crusaders compiled a 113‑39 record during her four‑year varsity career. They won a district title every year and two All “A” Classic state championships. They were runner‑up in the 9th Region three times.
Like her parents, Madi’s work ethic has been relentless.
“She is a pure athlete but also extremely hard working on and off the court,” her mom said. “She worked with a trainer and improved her vertical by several inches. At 5‑9, she knows that’s not considered tall in volleyball, so she worked hard to elevate her game.”
Mom also admires her daughter’s attitude.
“Seeing her persevere through such a tough time and come out stronger in the end was nothing short of inspirational,” she said. “She fought through so much adversity and never gave up. I couldn’t be more proud of how patient she was. She has tenacity and a love for the game that you cannot teach.”
Madi’s signing adds another part to the family’s college story and gives her the option to carry on the tradition of working in education.
She also received a merit scholarship at Ohio Dominican. Carrying a 3.7 grade-point average at St. Henry, she plans to major in nursing or elementary education in college.
“She’s very excited to go with Katie and Lizzy, two local kids she’s close with,” her dad said. “It’s special to see her continue what Jeni and I started.”
With her family’s support, Madi Demler leaves for Ohio Dominican in July, ready to add her own chapter. “It’s definitely a point of pride doing what my parents did,” she said. “I feel like I have a lot in common with them.”