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Sports

Jazzin' Up Her Game

Recent Sheldon High School graduate Jazmine Williams is headed to San Francisco State on a volleyball scholarship next fall.

No one calls her Jazmine.

Jazmine Williams has always gone by her nickname, Jazzy, at least since she can remember. The bubbly 18-year-old says the nickname fits. She is as outgoing and personable as she is talented on the volleyball court.

Williams, a recent graduate of Sheldon High School, is a stand-out in her sport and currently competes as a member of the Force 18-1 club team, an elite squad comprised of 18-and-under players in the Sacramento area.

Williams' talents have earned her a scholarship to play volleyball at San Francisco State University in the fall.

“What sets her apart is her contagious attitude,” said Alynn Wright, coach of the Force 18-1 team. “She is fiery on the court. She makes her teammates better when she is on the court.”

At six-foot tall, Williams is a tremendous blocker and has been an effective hitter, Wright said. Wright, who also coaches at St. Francis High School, faced Williams and her Sheldon team during the high school season.

“She was the kid on their team that we had to watch out for,” Wright said. “We had to know where she was on the court. She played very well against us.”

Williams's competitive spirit began at home. She comes from a family of athletes. Her dad played basketball at Santa Clara University, her older sister, Myia, played soccer at the University of Pacific and her younger brother, D’erryl, is a star basketball player at Sheldon. Her youngest sibling, Avery, will be a freshman basketball player at Sheldon next year.

When did you choose to play volleyball?

I started playing in fifth grade but I didn’t begin play club volleyball until my sophomore year. I was on a competitive traveling soccer team until freshman year.

What made you choose volleyball over soccer?

My mom and I had a serious talk. She said, ‘You’re pretty tall for soccer.’ I loved volleyball so I decided to play volleyball. Then a soccer team asked me to guest play for them and I tore my ACL and meniscus. That was a sign that I wasn’t supposed to play anymore.

How did the injury occur?

I went up for a header, and while I was in the air, I collided and landed with my legs completely straight, not bent or anything. Recovering after surgery, my parents really pushed me to get through the pain and continue playing.

How do you describe your volleyball career at Sheldon?

I missed my freshman year with the injury, but I hung around and helped with practices though I couldn’t play. My sophomore year was my first with varsity and was a big year in learning and getting my groove back. I became myself again my junior year and it was a really good year. I continued to progress as the years went on.

And how did your senior season finish?

My high school team wasn’t that good. But for me, I think I did really well.

Has it hit you yet that you are now done with high school?

I was just talking with my high school coach [Randy Williams] yesterday about how it seems like I was just a freshman. It’s starting to hit me that it’s over, not seeing anyone and having nothing to do over the summer.

Your club coach described you as fiery in competition. Would you agree?

Yeah, I am very competitive. I have been playing competitive my whole life. I don’t like to lose or not be first.

Does that competitive fire come into play in your life?

If you ask anyone at school, they’ll tell you. I like getting the highest test score or grades. At home, I compete with grades and stuff like that. Life is a competition to me.

How is the summer going for you in volleyball?

We are training for the Junior Olympics and practice almost every day. It’s going well, we’re all trying to be the best we can. There is a lot of talent; everyone on the team has a scholarship.

What do you get out of playing with the club team?

It really helps with individual improvement. Plus, it gave me a chance to be seen by college coaches. My coaches there, Griss Joyce and Alynn Wright, both really helped improve my game.

Congratulations on your scholarship to San Francisco State University. What went into your decision to go there?

I just went there and got to meet with the girls and really liked them. There are a lot of things to do in San Francisco and it’s not too far away so I can come home on weekends when I’m not playing. And I really like the coaches.

What do you plan to study in school?

Probably psychology or something to do with physical therapy.

When you’re not playing volleyball, what are you most likely doing?

I like to be at home or hanging out with volleyball friends. I really like to stay home and watch soaps. My favorite is One Life to Live. I watched it one summer when I was bored and ever since then, I’ve been hooked.

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