Jonetta Roddy '25 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Jonetta Roddy. My passionate interest and involvement with volleyball came through trial and error with other sports. To be honest, my first introduction to volleyball through a summer camp at the age of eight (8) didn’t convince me that this was my sport. But a year later, with the right connections to the coaching staff and volleyball community, I developed a love of the sport! I have been playing volleyball year round ever since. 

As an online student for the past seven years, I have developed strong skills in flexibility,  time management, self-motivation, commitment and balance. As a middle blocker and outside/opposite hitter, I have had to apply these skills to each of these positions. As a middle blocker, I love the combination of strength, speed, power, mental strategy and patience.  Yes, patience to manage my time in the middle and to communicate and commit to the plays-1's, 3's and 6's. Also, I love the defensive aspects of playing middle blocker.  I get great pride doing a great pass to the setter from the corners or the middle of the court. The thrill of attacking and blocking at the net is amazing! As an outside/opposite hitter, attacking and defense are important, but this position has a time management aspect. As I wait on the outside and opposite, preparing to explode and  commit to hitting a kill, dunk or tip, in order to make the best play for the team, I use this time to see what’s going on with my opponent’s defense and choose my shot!  However, I have learned to be flexible because a last minute change in the opponent’s defense can change my shot choice. Both middle and outside/opposite positions require self-motivation to learn the plays, to communicate with your teammates especially the coach and the setter, commit to extra conditioning and to study other volleyball players,  collegiate and professional. I do all this to learn and hone my skills for the sport that I love! Last, playing both of these positions have required me to strike work-life balance with school, other extracurricular activities such as art, science, and music which as an online student I have learned to do.

Finally, volleyball is a team sport. While individual effort is required, you win or lose as a team! I am a team player who displays sportsmanship and enthusiasm with and to my teammates and opponents. In multiple camps, I have been named the most enthusiastic player.  I love to have fun so on weird Fridays I am known to have the crazies costumes! I usually win these contests too! I believe a good volleyball team player steps in to get the ball; communicates loud and clear and cheers and encourages  her teammates at all times. Additionally, as a co-captain, I know how important it is to communicate clearly and often with each teammate. For me, being a good volleyball player is being teachable, flexible and reliable for the team and for the coaches.  I am so grateful that I found volleyball and volleyball has found ME!