Player Spotlight: Jadyn Heckenlively

Jadyn Heckenlively, Alma’s 5’11” middle hitter, has been a key part of the Cardinal’s team since she was a freshman. The Cardinals have a 7-13 record after missing out on state by a few points last season. Though this season hasn’t proved to be as winning as they had hoped, they have a few matches left before districts and then, as we know, anything can happen. Heckenlively will surely be ready to challenge those who overlook the Cardinals come post-season matches.

Jadyn has been involved in volleyball since she was in elementary school. Living in a small town gave her an opportunity to be involved in pretty much anything she wanted and watching the sport as a kid really hooked her on the game. Heckenlively admits she loves the unpredictability of the game. She says,

“The game can be so unpredictable and it truly is whatever team wants it the most and gives it the most heart will come out on top.”

To date, the senior middle hitter has racked up 1,129 kills in her time as a varsity player, as well as 221 solo blocks. There is no doubt that her ability to put the ball away makes her team competitive, but her demeanor also contributes to the team’s success. Heckenlively says,

“I am one of the most mellow people on our team. Our team can get very loud and spunky but I like to be calm and controlled in what I do which I think helps balance it out.”

Couple that with her .313 hitting percentage and you have a great player on your hands. Since last year, Jadyn has improved her back row play. Coach, Marcus Ehrke, challenged her with the idea of playing back row in the summer and she took it head on. In addition to her increased number of positive touches in regards to ball handling, she can swing a deadly ball out of the back row, adding yet another dimension to her game. 

Earlier in the season, Heckenlively reached her 1,000th career kill, which proves to be one of the highlight moments of this season so far. In addition, the Alma setter, Maddie Brugh, reached her 1,000th career assist. Jadyn said the achievement was even more special as she got to share it with a friend and teammate that has been by her side since they began playing.

As for college volleyball? It’s definitely on Heckenlively’s radar as her senior season comes to a close. She is considering Nebraska Wesleyan and Hastings College, and looks to find a program that suits her best and has a great academic program as well. Jadyn plans to major in nursing and wants to keep her schooling at the top of her priority list when searching for a place to continue her career.

Alma begins RPAC Conference play today against Medicine Valley. If the Cardinals can build through the last few games of the season, they have a shot to upset some ranked teams on their quest to extend their season.