Jaclyn Loper '20 Recruiting Profile

     I have been playing volleyball since the fourth grade when my mom had signed me up for a CYO volleyball team.  She did this so I would have something to do during the fall. I loved volleyball from the moment I started playing!  It became MY sport.  My dad was a football player and my brother's passions were football, track and music.  Mom had been on the professional golf circuit.  This was an activity that I could make what I wanted with no pressure from family members.

     Seventh grade volleyball was the turning point for me.  My coach said that if I wanted to continue I had to play JO since the competition would become intense as I got older.  My family was hesitant since the commitment was significant but I insisted that this is what I wanted to do.  As a 12 year old I was placed on a 15 regional team since there were no more spots for me on good teams of my age.  I was then placed on 14 national and 16 national teams.  I continue to learn and challenge myself to learn new skills.  My main position has been middle hitter but this year my coach on varsity has me playing middle hitter, outside, some right, and middle back.  My coach considers me his "hammer".

     My biggest obstacle is to convince coaches that I can play other positions other than middle.  Although, I will play the position that they need me to play to the best of my ability.  It just happens to be they like me at middle!  I continue to work on my vertical to remain competitive at this position.

     Academically, I expect a lot from myself.  I take challenging courses to be competitive in school, as well.  I have learned to be efficient with my free time so my work is completed on time.  At this time, I'm not sure what field of study I want to follow in college.  Since my family are health care providers, I have considered these fields as my future goals.