Silhouette

Issue date: 10/16/03 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Christine Siebert Jackie Spooner, Brush Colo., has been in volleyball since before she could remember. Her father was a coach at Weldon Valley High School, and was an influence in Spooner´s career.

During the McCook match, Oct. 1, Jackie Spooner had 11 kills, and helped lead her team to a victory of 3-0.

This is a result of a lifetime of hard work for Spooner, Brush, Colo., who has been involved in the sport since she was young.

"I have been involved in volleyball since as soon as I could walk," Spooner said. "I come from a big volleyball family."

Spooner's father is a coach at Weldon Valley High School. She said her father, as well as the rest of her family, has supported her through her volleyball career.

"My dad has definitely been my biggest influence in volleyball," Spooner said. "He taught me everything I know. I would like to thank my family for all of their support."

In high school, Spooner received All-Conference, All-State and Most Valuable Player honors.

During her junior year of high school, Spooner watched the Busters play at Sterling, Colo.

Soon after, Jeff Sanders, head coach, saw Spooner play, first on a video tape and then when she came to campus for a college visit in December 2001.

"I knew she'd have the mental toughness [to play]," Sanders said. "Our only concern was her knees. She had torn her ACL on both knees. Thankfully she's been fine since she's gotten here because she takes care of herself."

Sanders said he is pleased with the performances Spooner has given on the court.

"She's our go-to hitter right now," Sanders said. "She has got the size, ability, and speed to play outside hitter. She is someone who can hit the ball."

Sanders said Spooner is also a go-to person for the team off of the court.

"She helps the team have fun together, and has helped set things up," Sanders said. "She has helped them work on their bonding."

Aside from being involved in volleyball, Spooner is the Student Government representative for Phi Theta Kappa.

"PTK seemed like a great opportunity for scholarships," Spooner said. "It's also a very good honor."

Away from the campus, Spooner said she enjoys riding horses.

"I live on a farm," Spooner said. "We have one horse and some cows. I really like riding my horse."

Although she has not decided on a university, Spooner said she plans to pursue her degree in physical therapy and play Division I volleyball.

Spooner said she encourages anyone who is starting volleyball to stick with it.

"It can be a very hard sport for a younger person to play," Spooner said. "It takes a lot of practice, but stick it out. It's worth it in the end."

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