Jaylen Nachtigall '23 Recruiting Profile

Hi, my name is Jaylen Nachtigall, and I was a four-year varsity starter at Hot Springs High School. Throughout high school, I played multiple positions—right side, middle, and ultimately finished my career as an all-around outside hitter. Off the court, I was an officer in the National Honor Society, a two-year academic letter winner, and ranked first in my class. I’ve been playing volleyball since sixth grade, and I’ve loved every aspect of it from the very beginning.

Currently, I’m studying Psychology at Western Nebraska Community College, where I’ll graduate in Spring 2025. My journey at WNCC has been challenging but rewarding. I redshirted my freshman year after undergoing ACL/Meniscus surgery, and made a full recovery in 9 months. However, during my sophomore year, I tore my ACL and both menisci again. After revision surgery, I’m on the mend and expected to fully recover once more. Despite these setbacks, my love for the sport has only grown stronger. To continue progressing, I’ve committed to staying for an additional season to finish my junior college eligibility, and I’m looking for the right program where I can bring my passion, resilience, and experience to contribute meaningfully to the team.

Along with volleyball, I’ve been involved in gymnastics for six years and track for five. Our gymnastics team placed in the top 4 for the last five years, and I consistently placed top 10 in all events, earning All-State honors in both the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons. In track, I competed at the South Dakota State Track Meet from my freshman to junior year, placing in the top six in two events.

The journey I’ve been on has taught me invaluable lessons, and I’m not the same player I was when I graduated high school. My understanding of the game has deepened, and my appreciation for it has grown as well. Going through two major injuries has taught me resilience, how to stay grateful, and how to give everything I have at every practice. My skills, leadership, and teamwork have all improved. I’ve learned how to be a better teammate, how to be coachable, and how to adapt to various roles for the good of the team. In fact, I see my past injuries as a strength that has made me mentally and physically tougher.

I am eager to contribute to a team, and I believe I can make a meaningful impact, both on and off the court.