It takes a lot of skill and talent to make a varsity team as a freshman, and volleyball’s Jada Green has what it takes. Green may feel like there is a lot of pressure and eyes on her, but she has been proving herself all season.

Though she is the only freshman on the team, Green’s teammates recognize energy and consistency on the court. According to teammates, her ability to stay grounded has helped her fit right in.

¨[Volleyball] takes a lot of mental toughness, emotional maturity and the ability to communicate with others,¨ junior Isabella Williams said. “As a freshman, you’re on a team with older girls than you, and it can be hard to fit in with them. Green has not had that problem and has proved to be “a perfect foundation for us to have because her position is so important to the team.” 

As a setter, the team relies on Green to keep the ball in play and run the offense. According to coach Cheri Hunter, for a freshman to compete at the varsity level, they have to have the skillset, work ethic, and knowledge of the game of volleyball.  

“Her self-awareness and volleyball IQ help allow her to know where to place the ball in areas our players/hitters can be most effective to score points,” Hunter said. “Jada attends practices, demonstrates great work ethic, is coachable, displays mental toughness, potential talent, positivity, and shows her desire to improve daily.” 

Outside of school, Green prepares for the season. Over the summer, she practiced lots of reps and readied herself for the competition to come.

“I worked on skills that I thought could make me a better player, mentally and physically,” Green said. 

According to Green, what makes someone good at volleyball is  “good communication, teamwork, being a leader on the court and just helping everyone around you,” and those are the skills she has honed. With her freshman season proving her a standout, Green is one to watch over the next three years.

“Jada is an outstanding volleyball player,” Hunter said. “She is very instrumental to our team.”