Madisen Skinner's Product Recommendations
The $13 Essential That Gets Madisen Skinner Hyped Before a Volleyball Match
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The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For this installment, we spoke with Madisen Skinner, professional volleyball player, NCAA champion, and Red Bull athlete. She shares the gear, recovery tools, and everyday essentials that keep her performing on and off the court.
Madisen Skinner, 23, didn't start out planning to be a professional volleyball player. She actually got into the sport because of her sister. "She kind of encouraged me to just dive right in, even though I hadn't played before," Skinner tells Popsugar. That push set her on a path that's taken her from college tryouts to becoming an NCAA champion, a standout for LOVB, and a proud Red Bull athlete. She's brought the same energy, focus, and dedication to the court at every stage of her journey.
Volleyball — like life — can be humbling, and Skinner knows it. "It reminds you that relationships and connections are what last and everything else fades," she says. Off the court, she prioritizes small daily rituals that help her reset and stay consistent, which she says are essential to performing at her best.
"I think something that I had to learn was the path that is often most taken might not be the right path for you."
Early in her professional career, Skinner made a decision that wasn't the typical path for volleyball players: she chose to stay in the US, rather than head overseas. "I think something that I had to learn was the path that is often most taken might not be the right path for you," she says. "I prayed about it and I really sat with it for a long time, and that's what I felt led to do. I knew I would thrive best as a person here in the states and in return I would play my best volleyball here."
Whether it's during practice, on game day, or while recovering afterwards, Skinner has a few go-to products that keep her performing and feeling her best. From shoes that move with her to hydration and recovery tools she swears by, here's a look at the volleyball gear and everyday essentials she can't live without.
Spotify Premium ($13)
To get in the right headspace, Skinner turns to Spotify. She's not big on traditional mindfulness apps, instead, she uses music to shift her mood depending on what she needs. Whether it's calming down or getting hyped, music does the trick. "If I'm trying to get into a specific mood, I'll just turn on a song and zone out," she says. Right now, if you try Spotify Premium, you can get the first three months free.
Red Bull Energy Drink ($35, originally $39)
Game day isn't complete without a Red Bull in hand. Skinner's current go-to is the pomegranate flavor — a limited release available only in-stores — which she says she's been hooked on lately. "I've been obsessed, I can't stop drinking it." It's become part of her routine and helps her feel ready to go.
LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes ($45)
LMNT packets are another go-to in Skinner's routine, especially during tougher training days. They're packed with electrolytes and make it easy for her to stay on top of hydration without overthinking it. "I have at least one or two every game and at least one every practice. It's very concentrated," she says. You're supposed to put it in water. I just drink it straight up."
Nike HyperSet 2 Volleyball Shoes ($140)
For stability and staying power on the court, Skinner keeps coming back to the Nike Volleyball HyperSet sneakers. She's been wearing the same model for over two years and loves how well they hold up — even with constant, high-impact play. Built for traction and support, they let her move confidently without worrying about them breaking down mid-season. "I can wear one pair for almost a full season, which is pretty impressive," she says.
Hatch Inc Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock ($170)
To wind down at night, Skinner incorporates the Hatch Restore into her self-care routine. Alongside skin care, candles, and cozy rituals, it helps create a calming environment that sets her up for quality rest. It's a key part of how she resets after long days. "My nighttime routine just really puts me in a good mood," she says.
Gucci Round Frame Sunglasses ($515)
Off the court, Skinner reaches for Gucci sunglasses more than anything else. "They just fit my face well and I like their styles," she says. She tends to gravitate towards their bolder frames. They're an easy staple for travel days — along with the Popsugar Travel Neck Pillow ($15, originally $20) — or just being out and about.
Normatec 3 Legs: Complete Leg Recovery Suite ($899)
When it's time to recover, Skinner is all about Normatec compression boots. The air compression helps boost circulation and ease soreness, which makes a noticeable difference after long practices or games. It's one of those tools she doesn't skip. "I use those pretty much every single day," she says.
Haley Lyndes is a shopping writer and editor with more than seven years of experience in the publishing space. Specializing in home and lifestyle, she covers everything from furniture and mattresses to beauty products and fitness gear. Her writing has appeared in BuzzFeed, Travel + Leisure, and Real Simple.
