Freshman Jordan Graham starts as an outside hitter on the varsity volleyball team.
Jordan Graham keeps track of the ball as it's set. Photo by Henna Danek
Very few students make the varsity squad their freshman year, but Freshman Varsity starter Jordan Graham is the exception.
Graham, a former student at Hamilton Middle School, says she basks in the transition from middle school to high school. “I absolutely love TJ. It is a big change, but it’s a huge upgrade from middle school.” Some students have a hard academic transition from middle school to high school, but Graham has risen to the challenge and is getting good grades. “It’s harder than middle school, but I like the challenge.” Graham, being one of only two freshmen on the Varsity volleyball team says, “I love playing volleyball here at TJ, and it is a great honor to be a freshman on varsity.”
Graham’s journey has not been an easy one. At the age of seven, Graham went through surgery to have her right kidney removed. Graham thought she would never be able to play sports due to her surgery, but the doctors made an exception to volleyball. “When I originally got my surgery, my doctor said I would never be able to play sports, but as I got older, the doctors said I was strong enough to play. I was thrilled to finally be able to play my favorite sport,” said Graham. Since then Graham has been hooked on volleyball.
Graham started her volleyball career at the age of eight. Sje played two years of competitive ball, which she said has been “key” to improving her skills. “Jordan is a player that coaches always need and want. She loves the game and she is exceedingly dedicated and positive. She’s constantly happy, and she gives off good energy for the rest of the team to feed off of,” said Volleyball Head Coach Kathleen Nickless.
Graham is a starter for the Spartans as an outside hitter on Varsity and plays front row as a blocker and attacker. Being on any varsity team requires dedication and the ability to handle a great deal of pressure. “It is a ton of pressure. I feel like I have to be up at the upperclassmen’s level, and to accomplish that I have to work much harder, being only a freshman,” says Graham.
“Jordan is really spunky. She came in with a great attitude and she’s always there to put a smile on our face,” said Varsity starter, Caitlin Rogers. Graham enjoys playing volleyball and recommends getting involved. “I love it so much! The girls are so accepting, and they respect me even though I am a freshman. They treat me as an equal, which I really appreciate. I would recommend everyone get involved, and play a sport, or join a club,” says Graham.
