Jessica Young began playing volleyball “fairly late” in her life, “thanks to Ms. Lois Wilform” for encouraging her to join a travel team in the seventh grade.
“Being an athlete overall has brought so many attributes and life lessons that will help me for ages. The whole environment of working with a team has helped me to [become] more well-rounded and adapt to multiple situations and personalities,” Young said.
An outside hitter for the Eagles, Young finished her final game of the 2021 volleyball season with eight kills and two blocks against UNC Asheville, but sadly the game ended in favor of the Bulldogs.
Competing against Campbell back on Feb. 28 was Young’s most impressive game this spring season, with her earning nine kills, 12 digs, four blocks and 13 points. With Young’s notable contributions, the Eagles ended the season 9-7 in the Big South Conference.
“Overall, the semester has definitely tested my faith and perseverance, due to taking classes, having an internship as well as practice and games in between, but as it is coming to an end, it has shown that I could adapt to anything and do it efficiently,” Young said.
After each successful game, Young likes to eat at “a really good sit–in restaurant and spend time with family reflecting on the game.”
Although having a spring season with limited games was “very weird” for Young, it has allowed her to pursue other interests such as “reading, coaching, helping to host tournaments, being involved in the community [and] training younger players.”
Young also enjoys browsing new information in the world of medicine as she begins the prerequisites needed to apply to medical school, which she plans to do after graduation.
As a senior, Young is able to reflect on her time at Winthrop, hoping her knowledge will inspire future collegiate athletes.
“Advice I would give my younger self is to not worry. ‘All of the trials and tribulations you are currently dealing with in the sport will all transpire into a great thing; God’s got you,’” Young said.
“To younger athletes coming up, I would tell them to ‘Never give up; you are a great player, you are enough, and know you deserve to be given a chance wherever you decide to take your talents,’” Young said.
Young is extremely appreciative of the strong connections she has made at Winthrop with her teammates, friends and even a few professors.
“My most memorable moment here at Winthrop University is without a doubt joining the Xi Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with 16 other phenomenal women who I now call my sisters,” Young said.
Young is still deciding whether or not she will continue playing volleyball outside of college, nor whether or not she will stay in Rock Hill. But with graduation only a few weeks away, Young is simply “excited to begin [her] next journey in life.”
Photo courtesy of Winthrop Athletics
That is sooo Great Jessica I am so Proud of You keep up the Good Work I Love. Mrs. Chicken