Most Tuesday and Thursday nights, Jade Troutman, secondary education junior, can be found sporting a red and white jersey, black spandex shorts and a couple of knee pads along with the rest of the IUS volleyball team. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches and bearing the number 22 on her back, Troutman plays the position of middle blocker.
Troutman said she first decided she wanted to play volleyball when she was in elementary school.
“I was just going to play every sport and see which one I liked best,” Troutman said.
Troutman said volleyball is exciting and intense for her.
“It’s a big team sport,” Troutman said. “I like all the interaction.”
Katie Tinsley, IUS volleyball assistant coach, said Troutman is a huge part of the Lady Grenadier team.
“She is the kind of player you want on your team but don’t want to play against,” Tinsley said.
Troutman said her favorite part is getting to hit the ball, and it should be, considering she is an offensive asset.
“It’s fun, it’s a rush,” Troutman said. “There really isn’t anything I don’t like about volleyball.”
Troutman said she even enjoys the spandex.
“Oh I love spandex,” Troutman said. “I wouldn’t play volleyball in anything else.”
Troutman graduated from Bullitt East High School, where she previously played the position of outside hitter before becoming a middle blocker for the Grenadiers.
“We didn’t have sectionals or any of that,” Troutman said, “but we did win district six years in a row.”
Troutman earned the Kentucky Intercollegiate Tournament Conference all-conference team award in 2010 and so far has played in the all-conference team in two separate tournaments this season.
Troutman said she enjoys playing for IU Southeast because of the fun she has with the team.
“I like all my team mates,” Troutman said.
PJ Cockerell, elementary education senior, said she has played with Troutman for three consecutive years.
“She’s a strong athlete and is very competitive,” Cockerell said.
Troutman said she thinks the season has been OK, but there is plenty of room for improvement.
“We have a lot to work on, but it’s going all right,” Troutman said. “As a team we need to work on believing in each other.”
Tinsley also said there is still more work for the women to do on the court.
“As any coach would say, there are several things to work and improve on,” Tinsley said. “There have been a few close games this year that have not ended the way we’ve planned.”
Troutman said she feels she can help with encouraging her team to play to their potential.
“I’m really loud and out there,” Troutman said. “I feel like I can really influence people.”
Tinsley said she agreed, and Troutman’s “loudness”, or leadership and communication skills, are her biggest asset.
“She is a very loud player, and that’s exactly what we’ve been asking for all year,” Tinsley said. “Jade not only takes on the role as leader through communication but also by her skills on the court. Her stats speak volumes.”
Tinsley said, when it comes to Troutman’s weaknesses, there is not much to point out.
“She is extremely aggressive and competitive, and, sometimes, that can consume her,” Tinsley said, “but at least she has those attributes that we look for in every player.”
Troutman said she does not plan on moving any higher in the volleyball world but do not expect her to quit playing.
“I’ll definitely keep playing,” Troutman said. “I want to play in a lot of the old-lady leagues and sand leagues.”
Tinsley said Troutman has a very bright and exciting future ahead of her.
“She is going to school to be a teacher, and, if she works half as hard in the classroom as she does on the court, she will be just fine,” Tinsley said.
Cockerell said she will continue to enjoy the rest of this season playing with Troutman and believes she’ll be leaving the team in good hands.
By TAYLOR FERGUSON
Staff
tayfergu@ius.edu
