Jessica Neilson, senior, leads the girls volleyball team in practice and during games. Neilson is an outstanding teammate who plays outside hitter and is also captain on the varsity girl’s volleyball team. Neilson is also a team captain.
This is Neilson’s fourth year playing volleyball at RHS, according to head coach, Trudy Pecorelli.
Neilson was voted as one of the team captains for this year’s team by her teammates. Neilson has helped the volleyball team get off to a 16-8 as of Oct. 7, according to the RHS website (www.rivertonhigh.com).
She is very positive with her teammates and always encourages them to do their best.
“Her teammates look up to her for advice and a positive pick me up. She is very motivated to do her best and help others do their best,” said Pecorelli.
Emily Newman, junior, says that Neilson is a good teammate.
“She is always constantly helping you out and helping you improve,” she said.
Abby Nicholas, senior, said Neilson proves she is a good leader by her actions in games.
“She is very positive and never lets us get down on ourselves,” she said.
Neilson has been playing volleyball since the sixth grade.
“Volleyball just came naturally to me.” said Nielson.
Nielson says that her sister is her biggest reason of inspiration for her playing volleyball. Her sister also played for RHS.
Her favorite aspect of volleyball is “getting a kill down the line.” Neilson believes that practice is an opportunity that RHS can use to improve.
“Practice is good moments where the team can improve and become more consistent. It will help us win state and region,” said Neilson.
Bingham is the toughest opponent RHS has faced this season, according to Neilson.
“They are very athletic. It is always a big game and there is a lot of pressure to win the game.”
Nielson has had mixed thoughts about this season.
“We have lots of potential and places to improve,” said Neilson.
Pecorelli said that Neilson is a very good leader and also a very smart player.
“She knows if the set isn’t there, to roll shot or cut shot. But if the set is there she can pound it. She has developed a nice serve that keeps opponents on their toes,” she said.
Neilson also takes school very seriously. She maintains a 3.9 GPA and she has applied for the all state academic scholarships. Neilson uses her spare time on doing school work and working on improving her volleyball skills.