Claire Jacobs, of Norwood, will head to Hastings College at the end of summer to play volleyball for the private school in Nebraska. Jacobs, who is the daughter of Samantha and Corey Jacobs, told the Forum she didn’t plan to play college sports at first.
Jacobs played volleyball all throughout her time in Norwood Public Schools. She played in middle school and also participated in a club league. In high school, she played for the varsity team all four years, although she did suffer some injuries. During her freshmen year, a torn meniscus that had troubled her had to be fixed. Her junior year she dislocated her elbow. She’s spent some time out, but it has not deterred her from playing and loving being on the court.
Since’s she’s done well academically, Hastings had first offered her some scholarship money, at least $14,000 annually, to attend the school. After that, Jacobs sent in her sports recruiting materials and was contacted with an invitation to play for the college’s JV team. She’s not sure of her full scholarship award at this time.
“I said ‘yes, that would be a cool experience,’” she said.
An hour from Lincoln, Jacobs hasn’t yet set foot on campus, though she’s done virtual tours. She likes the 14:1 ratio of students to a professor. She said the town is a bit smaller than Grand Junction.
Jacobs plans to major in English and work on a minor in composition. (Her mother taught English and social studies for years.) Her goal is to eventually become a publicist for novelists.
Jacobs said she’s ready for the challenge that college athletics will bring. She loves the game of volleyball — and the adrenaline it gives her. At 5’10”, she’s a net player, and Hastings is bringing her on as a middle blocker for their JV team. Jacobs has experience as a setter, but the net is where she is most comfortable and where she plays the strongest.
Yes, she can attack, or kill, the ball. She’s good at blocking, moving up and down the net, blocking the other teams’ hitters. She’s ready to further develop her talents with the Hastings Broncos this fall.
Now she’s doing special training routines to stay active and get ready for the upcoming season. She said she’s working on “plyometrics,” specifically for her jumps. She said it’s about increasing her stamina and athleticism. She said she’s motivated.
“I am trying,” she said.
Jacobs said she’ll miss her friends at Norwood High School, but she’s ready to see what life has in store for her 14 hours away from home. She’s grateful for what NHS has given her.
“I am thankful for all my coaches,” she said. “They’re part of the reason I play volleyball, especially the club coaches. Those were critical years of learning.”
Sam Jacobs told the Forum it’s exciting for Claire. She added her daughter was dedicated to volleyball and spent weekends in Grand Junction at tournaments.
“She is open-minded about the college experience, and I think she will find that Hastings is a great place to play,” her mother said. “I am proud that things are taking a turn where she will be able to find a place to explore all of her interests: sports, art, drama, music and more.”
