By Pia Perthen, Sports Editor
The Saint Leo volleyball court always gets electric as soon as a game is going on, whether it is indoor volleyball in the Marion Bowman Center or beach volleyball outside at the sandy courts.
In the middle of this electric atmosphere, Jeanette Henderson brings on the heat with her teammates and fights for the win.
Henderson is a senior majoring in marketing and was born in Tampa, Fla. Starting sports at a young age pays off, as Henderson started to play indoor volleyball at nine and beach volleyball at 14 years old.
In indoor volleyball, she plays the position of a libero, which can be recognized on a different colored tricot, or she functions as a special defender, and sometimes her position can be an outside hitter. Having played the sport since an early age, Henderson has a strong connection to it.
“I like that both beach and indoor volleyball provide a family-like environment, and this is special to me since a lot of my close friendships have started from playing volleyball,” Henderson said.
The definition of having success for Henderson is small accomplishments that sum up at the end. Henderson fought her way up from not always getting playing time at volleyball games to becoming a starter.
“It was tough for me coming from an area where I was a stand-out player to next being surrounded by players who had the same skill level as me. I am sure many first-year students can relate to that,” she said.
Her favorite memory from Saint Leo was when Henderson, together with her teammates, beat Rollins College (3-0) on their home court at the Marion Bowman Center during indoor volleyball season.
“It was a fun and intense game that honestly re-sparked the love that I have for the sport,” Henderson said.
Another great accomplishment for Henderson was when she got her career high of 36 digs in a game against Florida Southern University this past season.
A dig is a defensive bump that keeps the ball from hitting the floor when sent to the other side during an offensive attack. Her success is not from pure luck, as Henderson practices a lot to be the best version of herself on the volleyball court.
“I am in season all year long; my only ‘off-season’ would be during the summer and winter break, and even then, I am working out every day and playing volleyball as much as I can,” Henderson said.
Henderson’s biggest goal would be to leave a positive legacy on the Saint Leo volleyball community and be remembered as an athlete with a positive mindset. This represents her motto: to stay positive and always remember to be true to oneself no matter what.
“I am a very friendly person and am not afraid to be my true self no matter where I am, and I believe that shows when I play out on the court,” she said.
Henderson got a lot of her positive mindset from her idol- her dad. He has been a women’s basketball coach and, therefore, can relate to what an athlete is going through. His understanding has helped Henderson grow up as an athlete.
“My dad was always there for me playing my sports, and he also helped me cope with the mental aspects of being an athlete. He is the reason I am mentally strong today,” Henderson said with a proud smile.
Henderson won the Miss Saint Leo award during the Green and Gold Awards 2023, voted on by all student-athletes. She is also part of the Saint Leo Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and was elected as secretary for the upcoming school year.
“The best way to describe winning Miss Saint Leo, from my point of view, is heartwarming. I love to be involved with the school and other athletes, and SAAC is honestly the best way to do that,” Henderson shares.
Apart from playing volleyball, Henderson likes to rollerblade as it is a fun way “to get the heart pumping,” and she loves to spend time with her family and dog, Soco. Henderson’s career path is not set in stone, but she knows she wants to succeed in the marketing business field.
“Good luck to everyone this year and to their seasons. And as always, GO LIONS!” Henderson finished the interview with positive and encouraging words.
