The Volleyball Interview: Jenna Reitsma (2021)
The past 12 months have gone very well for Jenna Reitsma, a 2021 outside hitter. In the fall of 2018, Reitsma helped lead Lowell to a conference championship while putting the Red Arrows in the state title picture. In club,…
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Continue ReadingThe past 12 months have gone very well for Jenna Reitsma, a 2021 outside hitter.
In the fall of 2018, Reitsma helped lead Lowell to a conference championship while putting the Red Arrows in the state title picture. In club, Reitsma has been a shining star for a talented FaR Out 16 Black team that was in the upper tier in the national picture.
In this edition of the The Volleyball Interview, we find out more about Reitsma and what got her started in volleyball and her goals for the Red Arrows heading toward the 2019 season.
What do you consider your strengths as a player?
My strengths are my powerful arm, which helps me use the block more and put the ball down in the court.
What do you consider your weaknesses?
My weakness would be serve receive, but I have been working on it a ton more this year and have improved a lot.
What was your first memory of playing volleyball?
When I was little my team beat the team that was supposed to be better than mine, which stands out to me because that’s when I realized I was good enough and that if I worked hard I could compete with the better teams.
When did you settle into becoming an outside hitter?
I actually started as a setter but became a hitter when I was 13 when we needed someone in that spot. It was the best choice because I have loved it ever since.
What’s the toughest aspect of the position?
I would say reading the other side of the net and the block to use to get a good swing. You also have to be ready at all times to swing because any out-of-system balls will be thrown your way to manage.
What has been your favorite opposing gym to play in?
Munciana because throughout the season we have had multiple opportunities to train with them down at their gym in Muncie.
Who is your favorite player to compete against?
During high school would be the O’Gorman sisters (Aubrey and Maradith), and in club, it was fun to play against Julia Bishop during our in-state battles with Michigan Elite.
What is your favorite part of the recruiting process? Least favorite?
Favorite – Getting to see all the different things people have to offer at their programs and school Least – Business of calling and figuring out what things you like or dislike the most.
Who is your favorite volleyball player?
Kelsey Robinson, she is just an incredible 6-rotation player.
How would you compare high school volleyball to club volleyball?
The level and intensity of play is different. Fewer opponents that you don’t know in club. Not as loud or busy as a convention center in high school.
Aside from shoes, what piece of equipment could you not play in a match without?
Knee Pads because without them diving would be more painful.
Any game day superstitions?
I don’t have any game day superstitions.
Go-to game day food?
I would say my go-to game day food would be my mom’s pasta salad and fruit.
What goals have you set for yourself or your team for your junior season at Lowell?
Going further than we went in the 2018 postseason and for sure compete for a state title. We were very unsatisfied losing in our district final in five sets against Rockford so we are fired up to compete for more. Obviously, we want to win a state championship.
Lowell had a real breakout season last year, what worked so well for the team in 2018?
New Coach Jordan Drake brought a fresh slate for the program. Also, just an incredible group of athletic volleyball players that were extremely motivated to be the first conference champions for volleyball at Lowell, but not stop there and continue to compete with the best teams.
What are your favorite hobbies outside of sports?
Mainly being with family and friends and going to the lake.
What is your favorite social media platform and why?
Instagram because it allows you to see everything that people you don’t see often are up to.
What do you hope to do when your volleyball career is over?
I would like to work with athletes in some sort of career that works with athletes and medicine.