Jessica Throop '22 Recruiting Profile

"Jessica will most likely be the hardest worker on the team."  **Ryan Campbell, Head Women's Volleyball Coach, Aquinas College and Saints 16U Coach

Every practice, every match, I try to live up to these words.

I became interested in volleyball in sixth grade when I played for SMAK, my first club experience. My passion for the game grew as I played in seventh and eighth grade for Grant Middle School. I played on the "A" team and got maximum playing time. I had a wonderful club experience playing on a 14U team for Team Angle. I had the opportunity to play several positions throughout the season including libero, ds, and secondary setter. 

I was on the Grant Freshman team and played libero the majority of the time. I was the player my coach went to when she needed to replace a player due to injury or illness. Having the opportunity to play various positions during competition gave me a better understanding of how the different players need to work together to be successful on the court. I changed club teams to take advantage of practicing under college coaches Dave Rawles and Ryan Campbell. In winter I was a starting ds on a 15U team and in spring I was a starting ds on a 16U team.

Each season brings new experiences, and my JV season provided me with many opportunities. Throughout the season, I played every position depending on the needs of the team, though I did spend a majority of my play time in a ds position. The 2020 Winter Club season has ended and, once again, I played for Saints Volleyball Club and was on the 16 Gold team with Ryan Campbell as my coach. I was a 6-rotation player (ds and outside hitter). The Spring 2020 Club season with Saints was cancelled due to COVID-19 and restrictions in place in the State of Michigan.

My junior year season on the varsity team has concluded.  I was a 6-rotation player (ds and outside hitter). We were able to play a limited season. No tournaments (quads were the most we played) and we had games cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. We learned to go with the flow and make the most of the times we got to play. Flexibility was key this season.

My parents record every match and I take time to review all of the game film. It helps me see what I am doing well and where I can make improvements. 

In high school, I have continued to work hard academically and have kept a high GPA (3.75).  Math is my strongest subject and I would like to work towards a career in this area. This year I am a dual-enrolled student, taking both high school classes and two college courses per semester through Muskegon Community College. Being a first semester junior, I haven't taken the ACT or SAT yet. I did take the PSAT for the first time in ninth grade (was not able to take the PSAT in 10th grade due to schools closing in mid-March) and received the following scores: Total: 950, ERW: 470, Math: 480, Reading: 25, Writing and Language: 22, Math Test: 24.

I learned the importance of dedication, practice, persistence, and hard work at a young age. I earned my black belt in karate in June, 2015. I bring all of these qualities to my volleyball game.