NCSA caught up with rising volleyball star Jessica Maxwell to talk about her “take charge” attitude with recruiting and goals for the future.
NCSA: How do you show a college coach that you are really interested in their program?
Maxwell: By returning their emails as quickly as I can, I can show my interest in each college. Also, by initiating emails to keep them up-to-date, calling them and visiting with them on their campuses shows a ton of interest. Generally just staying in touch seems to work.
NCSA: What are you doing to “take charge” of your recruiting process?
Maxwell: I’ve been keeping up with my correspondence logs, again emailing coaches on my own, continuing the process of becoming a better player, working out several times a week at Velocity to build strength, speed and add to my vertical and, of course, learning to eat well.
NCSA: Have you had coaches evaluate you in person yet? Tell us about how that feels.
Maxwell: I’m anticipating a coach coming to a practice here soon and whenever I visit their campuses and get to talk I am always taking in what they are saying, positive or negative, and wanting to do better.
NCSA: How do you handle nerves when communicating with college coaches?
Maxwell: I don’t usually have any nerves because I’m good at being myself in front of the coaches. At the start of the day I am a little nervous, but as I begin to talk to them I just converse with them like I would anyone else.
NCSA: How do you deal with disappointment in the recruiting process? Can you give an example?
Maxwell: I might cry about it at first, but then I get over it, work harder and look to prove them wrong about passing me up.
NCSA: What makes you a unique athlete that stands out from a crowd?
Maxwell: I’m unique in that not only am I a three-year varsity letter winner, I’m smart and hard-working (I’m a straight A student), a 2nd degree black belt in taekwondo (meaning I’m not afraid to practice, set a goal and work toward it. I’m not afraid of disappointment because I KNOW that I can rise above it with strength and persistence) and I look every day to better myself as an all around person.
NCSA: What are your goals for this club/high school season? How is the season going?
Maxwell: My goals for this season have been and are to improve myself in the classroom (straight A’s) as well as in the weight room (getting stronger and developing quicker reflexes) and on the courts (developing my right side capabilities, improving team communication and winning a bid to nationals), have a good time with the game I love and not to take it too seriously because I play better when I don’t. As far as how the season’s going? It continues to improve though sometimes it’s been really slow for me individually as well as for our team. However, we are all finally meshing on and off of the court, our timing’s improved AND we won a bid to go to nationals in Dallas! Personally, I am getting straight A’s, growing stronger in the gym and keeping a more upbeat, as well as focused, attitude on court. I tend to be so serious about all of my goals that I sometimes forget to enjoy them as I begin to accomplish them.
NCSA: What camps do you plan to attend over the summer?
Maxwell: I plan to attend all camps in which the colleges are really interested in me.
NCSA: Who is your biggest motivator?
Maxwell: My biggest motivator is my pride that I take in my work and play everyday. When it comes to support however, the answer: my mom and dad.
