Post by bigfan on Nov 30, 2006 14:32:54 GMT -5
Arizona native gives Texas versatility
Though they have to label her, the Longhorns know Christian can play anywhere on the court.
Junior Jen Christian is Texas' most versatile player, though she's labeled an outside hitter. Christian didn't begin playing volleyball until seventh grade, but ended her high-school career in Arizona as the state's Gatorade Player of the Year.
Take one look at Texas volleyball, and you'll find players who are masters at their positions.
Destinee Hooker and Ashley Engle spike monster kills, Michelle Moriarty sets balls better than anyone in the conference, and Jennifer Todd can block.
And then there's Jen Christian. The junior "outside hitter" can do just about anything on a volleyball court.
"Jen is a solid player for us," Texas coach Jerritt Elliot has said. "She can hurt you in so many different ways. Her versatility allows us to move her around a lot."
Christian didn't start playing volleyball until she was in seventh-grade, when a friend had to drag her into the gym to play. But once she got started, she couldn't stop.
As a 6-foot-3-inch superstar, Christian led Gilbert High School to a 5A state championship her senior year and was named Arizona's Gatorade player of the year. As the eighth-ranked recruit according to prepvolleyball.com, Christian knew that Texas would provide her the greatest opportunities.
"Coming into a program like this, when I came in, it was a rebuilding year," Christian said. "They didn't make it to the tournament. Me, Alyson [Jennings] and Michelle [Moriarty] all came in at the same time and decided that we wanted to make a difference, and we did."
Moriarty, who was one of the top recruits herself, knew that Christian would ultimately become one of the pillars of Texas volleyball.
"I met Jen a couple of months before we came in, and I knew she was going to be a stud," Moriarty said. "You could tell by the way she just carried herself. Together, we knew we were slowly going to grow into that leadership position."
Yet her rise to the top has taken a brief stop.
In her sophomore season, Christian put up stellar numbers, averaging 2.41 kills per game along with 25 service aces and 73 blocks. This season however, her numbers have been down compared to last year. The junior is putting up just 1.62 kills per game, 28 blocks and only five service aces.
"It's not really attributed to anything," Christian said. "Our team has elevated in talent compared to last year for sure. I think it's just taken everyone longer to find their groove."
One element that has always helped her succeed has been the support of her parents. Throughout her career at Texas, the Christians have made several trips to Austin to see their daughter play.
"The support they have for me is wonderful," Christian said. "I definitely wouldn't be here without them, that's for sure."
With the NCAA tournament just around the corner, Christian and the Longhorns will need all the support they can get - especially after falling in a 3-0 heartbreaker to No. 1 Nebraska on Saturday.
This weekend, Christian hopes to show off her wide range of skills at home in the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament.
Though she can do just about anything, there is one part of the game that gives her the biggest rush.
"Stuffing the ball into your opponent is definitely the best feeling you can get," Christian said.
Though they have to label her, the Longhorns know Christian can play anywhere on the court.
Junior Jen Christian is Texas' most versatile player, though she's labeled an outside hitter. Christian didn't begin playing volleyball until seventh grade, but ended her high-school career in Arizona as the state's Gatorade Player of the Year.
Take one look at Texas volleyball, and you'll find players who are masters at their positions.
Destinee Hooker and Ashley Engle spike monster kills, Michelle Moriarty sets balls better than anyone in the conference, and Jennifer Todd can block.
And then there's Jen Christian. The junior "outside hitter" can do just about anything on a volleyball court.
"Jen is a solid player for us," Texas coach Jerritt Elliot has said. "She can hurt you in so many different ways. Her versatility allows us to move her around a lot."
Christian didn't start playing volleyball until she was in seventh-grade, when a friend had to drag her into the gym to play. But once she got started, she couldn't stop.
As a 6-foot-3-inch superstar, Christian led Gilbert High School to a 5A state championship her senior year and was named Arizona's Gatorade player of the year. As the eighth-ranked recruit according to prepvolleyball.com, Christian knew that Texas would provide her the greatest opportunities.
"Coming into a program like this, when I came in, it was a rebuilding year," Christian said. "They didn't make it to the tournament. Me, Alyson [Jennings] and Michelle [Moriarty] all came in at the same time and decided that we wanted to make a difference, and we did."
Moriarty, who was one of the top recruits herself, knew that Christian would ultimately become one of the pillars of Texas volleyball.
"I met Jen a couple of months before we came in, and I knew she was going to be a stud," Moriarty said. "You could tell by the way she just carried herself. Together, we knew we were slowly going to grow into that leadership position."
Yet her rise to the top has taken a brief stop.
In her sophomore season, Christian put up stellar numbers, averaging 2.41 kills per game along with 25 service aces and 73 blocks. This season however, her numbers have been down compared to last year. The junior is putting up just 1.62 kills per game, 28 blocks and only five service aces.
"It's not really attributed to anything," Christian said. "Our team has elevated in talent compared to last year for sure. I think it's just taken everyone longer to find their groove."
One element that has always helped her succeed has been the support of her parents. Throughout her career at Texas, the Christians have made several trips to Austin to see their daughter play.
"The support they have for me is wonderful," Christian said. "I definitely wouldn't be here without them, that's for sure."
With the NCAA tournament just around the corner, Christian and the Longhorns will need all the support they can get - especially after falling in a 3-0 heartbreaker to No. 1 Nebraska on Saturday.
This weekend, Christian hopes to show off her wide range of skills at home in the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament.
Though she can do just about anything, there is one part of the game that gives her the biggest rush.
"Stuffing the ball into your opponent is definitely the best feeling you can get," Christian said.
