Good barbecue, the Dallas Cowboys and oversized belt buckles are all famous exports of Texas; however, due to her statistics and recent success, Jessica Addicks might soon join that “Lone Star State” list.

The junior from Bellaire, Texas led the Colonels volleyball team in virtually every hitting and blocking statistic last season. She started all 30 matches last year, and on the defensive side of the net, she totaled 97 total blocks and 85 block assists, which led the team.

Addicks accumulated a .275 hitting percentage, the best of any Colonel who had at least 100 attempts. Out of 717 hitting attempts, Addicks managed to smash 276 hits for kills–also a team best.

Q: How is the season going thus far?

A: The season is going well. We are 5-3 and are trying to win our second tournament of the season. The new girls that have come in have really added some depth to our team. It is going to be a fight all year, but it will be a fun ride.

Q: How has off-season preparation improved the team?

A: There was a lot more conditioning and team bonding this year, so it was not nearly as grueling as it has been in the past.

Q: You were named to the Bon Temps Invitational all-tournament team in early September. What were your thoughts on this accomplishment?

A: I was, really? Wow, I did not hear about that. That’s pretty cool (she laughs).

Q: Last season, you started all 30 matches and led most categories in hitting and blocking. What are your expectations for this season in terms of individual success?

A: I would love to have another successful year. I work hard in practice every day to make that happen. But individual success to me is not as important as how our team performs and if we win or lose. At the end of the day, I care more about how we do as a team instead of my own personal performance.

Q:  Last year, the team went 14-16 with a 6-10 record in conference play. Do you think this year’s team can ultimately be more successful than last year?

A: I think we definitely can, and I believe we will. We have a lot more fight this year, and our team chemistry is also much stronger now than it used to be. As long as we keep fighting, we will do well.

Q: What made you want to come to Nicholls to play volleyball?

A: A girl I went to high school with came here to play volleyball, so I was familiar with Nicholls. But primarily I was interested to come here because of the girls I had met when I had first visited.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of being a Nicholls student-athlete?

A: People know who you are around campus. It is cool to have people you have never met or seen before tell you “good game.”

Q: How long have you played volleyball? Did you grow up playing any other sports?

A: I started playing volleyball when I was 11, but I also played basketball, track and soccer for seven years.

Q: What is the most memorable moment of your volleyball career thus far?

A: It would have to be last night (Friday) against Jackson State. Our comeback at home from two sets down is something that I will never forget.

Q: If you had never picked up a volleyball, where would you be and what would you be doing?

A: I would still be in Texas attending a different university. I do not know which because I did not apply to many other schools. Since I was only worried about volleyball, I did not look into any other colleges.

Q: What is your dream job?

A: I would love to do PR for an NFL franchise, or I would like to be a broadcaster for a network like ESPN.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

A: Doing something that I love while having a family. Basically, just enjoying life to the fullest!

Q: What would you rather eat: Texas barbeque or Louisiana seafood?

A: Texas barbecue. I have tried crawfish and shrimp, and I love them both, but nothing beats a good Texas barbecue. Brisket is definitely my favorite; the smell reminds me of home.