Jana James, a junior college transfer student from Long Beach, Calif. and middle blocker for the volleyball team, has made her home her home here at Nicholls.
According to the head volleyball coach M.J. Engstrom, James will brings hard work, dedication and good leadership qualities to the team.
Although James is a big part of the Colonel volleyball team, her first love was actually another sport.
“I really loved to play basketball, but volleyball was the sport I loved and chose to play it more,” she said.
James said her biggest inspiration growing up was her dad. “Watching my dad play basketball inspired me to continue to play hard,” James said.
According to James, her relationship with her teammates on and off the court is strong.
“We like to work together as a team, we stick together with one another, and all of us want the team to do better than last year,” she said.
“Jana is outgoing, funny, forward, and tends to things seriously,” said teammate Amy Koziol. “She is always working hard, and she is a good example.”
According to James, her relationship with head coach M.J. Engstrom is only a strong one
“Coach Engstrom is the main reason I am here. She believes in me, and gives me faith that I can succeed,” said James.
Some goals that James has for the upcoming season is to help the Nicholls State volleyball team improve their record and play with high intensity.
“When I think of Jana, I think of one word, competitiveness.” said assistant coach Jason Kepner. “She is always playing with such a high intensity and aggression.”