Jordyn Clement '17 Recruiting Profile

My mom likes to tell the story of an early trip to the local YMCA for gymnastics class. I saw volleyball nets up in the gym with kids playing on either side of them and I asked if I could play too. She said I was too little yet, maybe when I got bigger. I was only four years old, so I continued with gymnastics for nine more years. Competing in gymnastics at a high level when I was young not only gave me physical, but also mental strength. It pushed me to fight through the hard skills required at the end of routines, but also to perfect the simple ones.

In eight grade, a family friend, who was also the volleyball coach, encouraged me to tryout for the middle school team. Even though I had never played, he saw a special spark in me. He kept sixteen girls that season, and I was one of them. I grew and learned throughout the season, and when it ended, I knew I wanted to continue playing volleyball at higher levels. My freshman year of high school, I was awarded best all around player (only my second year of playing). My junior year I earned Modesto Metropolitan Conference Academic All League player status while on the varsity team.

Being 5'1" in the world of volleyball has been anything but a disadvantage. I believe I move more quickly on the court and it drives me to be the best player I can be. I have read books and articles about mental strength while playing and how to prepare for big matches. I have also watched hours of college and professional men's and women's volleyball which has taught me the vocabulary and strategy of the game from a different point of view. I think these two things have improved my game tremendously. Not only do I know the physical components of the game, but I have a solid understanding of the mental mindset I need to play it.  I have also attended camps and clinics in an effort to learn as much as I can from different coaches. I look forward to  continuing my volleyball education at the college level while pursuing my interest in the chiropractic/physical therapy field.