Athlete Spotlight: Jenna Nelson

DICKINSON – You don’t average 20 kills a volleyball match without getting noticed by the opposition.
And Dickinson senior Jenna Nelson certainly is on the opponent’s radar when she steps on the court. Yet despite that, she find ways to make an impact in a match.
“Her determination makes her a constant threat on the floor,’’ says Dickinson coach Taylor Hafner. “She is so good because she is never satisfied. She is constantly looking to improve, build her volleyball IQ and be the best hitter not just for herself but for her team.”
Whether she’s at the net or playing the back row, Nelson provides offense.
“My teammates, and specifically my setters, are able to find me anywhere on the court. And having multiple different shots to place the ball in difference locations is huge,’’ Nelson said. “Whether that’s tipping rolling or swinging difference ways, this all helps put the ball away.”
Nelson started playing the sport in sixth grade and worked her way through middle school seasons before getting a shot at varsity play as a freshman. Since her sophomore year, she’s been a mainstay in the Mavericks starting rotation.
“I love how competitive volleyball is,’’ she said. “My teammates and coaches make the sport so enjoyable for me and always pushing me to be better.”
Self confidence is important to athletes and it’s something that took time to grow in Nelson’s play. “Confidence has been the biggest change from beginning (varsity) to now,’’ she said. “Learning how to stay confident in myself and team in every game.”
She’s more than just an offensive machine. Her skill set enables her to stay on the court throughout rotations and contribute in serves, digs and blocks. That all-around play is why she’s been a two-time all-WDA selection and voted an
all-state player.
Leaders lead and Nelson takes that role seriously.
“She is the first one at practice, often helping to set up the nets and the last one to leave,’’ Hafner said. 
“Her positive attitude, dedication to our team and communication on and off the floor becomes contagious. These qualities really set an amazing example to those around her.”
The high school season is a busy one with several matches a week amongst practice time. When the season ends, the work to become an even better player continues for Jenna. “I play club volleyball for the Nodak Juniors in the winter and spring and also attend summer camps at various colleges and also a team camp with my high school team,’’ she says.
That passion and dedication isn’t lost on Hafner who knows there is something special about No. 11 in a Dickinson uniform.
“Jenna is an amazing player, a hardworking student and a fantastic role model,’’ Hafner said. Her grit, determination and passions are what creates an amazing young woman.”
And she’s an all-around athlete. In addition to volleyball, Nelson competes in basketball and track. And her leadership skills  and athleticism benefit those programs as well.
There is more volleyball ahead for Jenna. She’s going to continue with the sport at the University of Jamestown next fall, but there is the remainder of this season to focus on.
And this season carries added significance for Jenna and the program.
It is dedicated to Cecilia Homiston. A Dickinson player who died during an offseason volleyball workout last December. The all-stater was a beloved student and would have been a key part of this year’s squad. That tragic loss hit the program and school hard. It’s taken time to heal.
“It’s been a very hard season to navigate without her,’’ Nelson said.
“Our team plays for her each and every day because we know she would want us to go out and compete. She meant everything to us girls and our program. She was a confident player with so much talent as an athlete. Cecilia and I had been playing volleyball together for six years, so we had an incredible connection.”
The Mavericks are battling for a favorable seed for the postseason. The squad has fallen a match short of a state tournament appearance in each of the past two seasons. Hopefully, this season that goal can be accomplished. Nelson will do all she can to make it happen.

 

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