Jake Janus '20 Recruiting Profile

     My goals are simple.  I want to find a career that is meaningful and that I enjoy.  As I am still 17, I think there is a lot to explore before I make a "final" decision.  I like being around people and helping them.  With that in mind, I plan on majoring in Nursing.  I have been accepted in 9 schools (7 of which accepted me directly into the Nursing Program).  Recently, I was named to the  ALL Western New York Volleyball Team (2nd Team) and I am looking forward to continuing my playing career in college.   All 9 schools I have been accepted have also reached out (the coaches) to offer me a spot on their team.  I plan on doing numerous college visits in the months of January, February and March.

    At this time, I am also am taking some awesome science courses (Anatomy and Physics).  We are doing lots of "hands-on" stuff in class.  These are areas I would like to explore more, as a career. (Physical Therapy/Nursing) .

    To keep my options open, I have worked with my parents and my guidance counselor in the selection of courses.  I am currently in the Advanced Regents Diploma track.  I completed both my requirements for Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry and Algebra 2) and Science (Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry) to earn this diploma.  I currently enrolled in Pre-Calculus, Physics and Anatomy courses (aside from the regular English and Social Studies requirements).  I also picked up Public Speaking, which I think will be useful at some point.

    While attending college, academics and career exploration will be a priority.  However, I want to experience more than just academics.  That is why I would like to compete on a collegiate team.  I believe I am a good candidate because of my willingness to work hard, being willing to learn, my athletic abilities, and, most importantly,  the pride I take in being a supportive teammate.  I believe that the success of my TEAMMATES is a success for me, as well.   Additionally, I plan on being involved in campus clubs and activities.

    I have had the good fortune to have some of the best coaches in the area in the last three years (Tom Schneider, David Jack, Robert Pierce and Tom Weislo).  Coach Weislo and Coach Pierce have been named Western New York Coach of the Year, multiple times, over the last two decades.  They are highly accomplished and certified USA Volleyball Coaches (and evaluators).   Coach Pierce also played at Penn State and professionally in Europe.   

    This past year, I was invited to play on one of the elite teams in our region (Lockport 18U Black).  While this team was TWO age groups higher than my USA Volleyball qualifying age (I was 16U eligible), I believe I gained alot from the challenge, my new teammates and my new coaches.  My new team was coached by Tom Schneider (who runs Lockport Volleyball Club) and David Jacks (former Indiana University Assistant Volleyball Coach, member of the Jamaican Olympic team from 1985-96 and 8-Time US Open Volleyball All-American).  Needless to say, I felt that I put myself in a good position to become a better player.  One of my teammates is Zach Schneider,  recently left to play at Long Beach State University (2018 and 2019 NCAA Division 1 National Champions).  We had a great experience playing in tournaments all over the country.  I plan on returning to the team, and finishing my club career at the National Championships in Reno in the summer of 2020.

    I cannot speak to any comparisons to others.  I am confident in my abilities to compete, my athletic abilities and my ability to connect with my teammates and coaches.  While I was not blessed with height (currently 5'9"...but, 16 years old and hoping to grow-that is why I am a libero) I would like to think I have the "heart of a lion".   With respect to leadership, I have been named captain of many teams team I have played on (Club and JV, to this point).

    If you want a true feeling of my character, feel free to contact Coach Schneider, Coach Jack, Coach Weislo and Coach Schreiner (JV Volleyball and Travel Baseball).  Coach Schreiner has been a role model in my life since I was 9 years old.  He has coached HS volleyball, HS baseball, HS softball and HS bowling.  He is proud to say that he has also coached an Olympian (Olympic Volleyball Medalist Matt Anderson).   In addition, Coach Schreiner has a been an excellent coach and a better mentor.  I have learned from Coach Schreiner the importance of being an effective teacher and an understanding of how to connect/motivate others (in different ways).