Delavan-Darien High School varsity volleyball coach Jean Jacobs knows that junior Katie Jones is a talented volleyball athlete. The volleyball coaches at University of Northern Iowa knew it, too.
Jones, a six-footer, was recruited and committed to UNI.
A starter since her freshman year, Jones has had many accolades while playing on varsity the past three seasons.
As a freshman, coach Jacobs saw her potential and relied on Jones to help with the Comets’ defense.
Jones’ court sense and athletic ability can be partly attributed to the years of club volleyball, as well as her passion for the game. She plays for the Wisconsin Juniors Volleyball Club on the 17-1 team.
In 2011, Jones made a huge impact on the court with her 96.3 percent serving accuracy, as well as her passing game. In 2012, Jones continued her dominance with 13 aces, 31 kills, 11 blocks and 43 digs in the Southern Lakes Conference matches. She was an all-conference Honorable Mention her sophomore year.
As a junior in 2013, Jones continued her growth in in height and volleyball maturity. At 6 feet tall, she has produced 54 aces, 156 kills, 65 blocks and 213 digs. She improved her conference standings and was a Second Team All-Conference selection this past season.
Jacobs expects big things from Jones as a senior in the fall.
“She has improved so much over the course of her three years at Delavan-Darien as a starter,” Jacobs said. “I very rarely have to tell her what to do on the court because we are often on the same page. She is a vocal leader, but also leads by example. She is very much respected by her peers.
“I have always stated jokingly that she plays volleyball 366 days a year.”
