Rams outside hitter Margo Schnapf juggles responsibility

Margo Schnapf was juggling three oranges and giving a speech about responsibility when she took a step back and watched the oranges come crashing down around her. 

The 17-year-old outside hitter was one of 300 girls from Florida who participated in Girls State June 30-July 8. She was then chosen as one of two Florida representatives for Girls Nation July 23-30, in Washington, D.C. 

During Girls State, an American Legion Auxiliary program, participants create a mock government complete with parties and legislative branches. Schnapf wrote and passed bills, creating mock crises, met with governmental officials and learned the importance of women in government. 

When she was juggling the oranges, Schnapf had already been named “mayor” of the city, and she was describing how she is a talented multitasker ready for the responsibilities of “attorney general.”

“Hopefully I’ll make an even better attorney general than I am juggling these oranges,” Schnapf said drawling laughter and applause. 

The Pine View senior, who learned to juggle from Riverview volleyball coach Craig Wolfe as part of an offseason training exercise, won the election and spent the next three-and-a-half days running the government. 

Much of her life is a juggling act.

In the classroom, Schnapf is a 4.0 student who aspires to study international relations, then go to law school.

She’s also Riverview’s volleyball captain for this season. Building off of last year’s 20-3 record and regional semifinal appearance, she hopes to bring another district championship back to Riverview while stressing the importance of teamwork.

This summer, she passed on an opportunity to compete in the beach volleyball Nationals in California for the second year in a row in hopes of being selected for Girls Nation. 

To earn one of Florida’s two spots, she submitted a proposed federal bill, took a test about government and interviewed before learning she had been selected on the Fourth of July.

For Schnapf, attending Girls Nation was an opportunity to meet other girls with a similar passion for government.

 “I learned I do have the power to change the world,” Schnapf said. “Even if you set goals higher than ever, you’re capable of achieving them. The things I learned about quality leadership, I can take back to my community and Pine View relationships. In silence, you can hear what you are missing.” 

Now, Schnapf hopes to share the lessons she learned at Girls Nation with the Rams. With no plans to play volleyball, it will be her final season on the court. Wolfe has no doubt about her leadership ability. 

"We have a bunch of great leaders, but Margo is definitely one of the ones the team relies on for her leadership," Wolfe said.