Jacobsen’s Got The Bug For Volleyball; Coach Is Happy

Alex Jacobsen. Photo from Alex Jacobsen

There was no direct line to the volleyball court for Kalaheo High School senior Alex Jacobsen. While in intermediate school, softball and track were her favorite sports.

“I had never played until my freshman year, but I’d played a little in my P.E. class and I really started to like it,” admitted Jacobsen, a 5-foot-10 middle blocker.

“A lot of my friends were playing, and I thought I could make something of this. I realized soon that volleyball was my favorite, and I wanted to concentrate on one sport.”

Since her family relocated to Kailua from Spokane three years ago, Jacobsen has been a mainstay for Kalaheo, which took a 4-3 record into last weekend. She was named team captain by head coach Berta Downey prior to the start of the season.

Jacobsen and the Mustangs return to action Wednesday when they travel across town to play Kailua High at 7:30 p.m.

Jacobsen recently visited with MidWeek‘s Windward Islander.

Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My parents (Liz and Greg). They’ve always supported me and pushed me to play sports, and they encouraged me to try different sports.

What area of your game did you focus on during the off-season? My approach for hitting. I used to get too close to the setter and not give myself enough room.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through athletics? Leadership and teamwork. You can’t depend on one person in volleyball — it takes everyone to get things done. You have to develop relationships to know how each other plays.

Who is Kalaheo’s best “practice player” — the one who puts out the best effort? Siani Yamaguchi, because she’s super sweet and supportive. She always has her game face on when doing the drills. She’s really, really good and humble.

What Internet site do you frequent the most? Facebook, although I do use Instagram a lot as well.

What is your least favorite household chore? Doing the dishes.

What movie could you watch over and over? 500 Days of Summer. I love that movie.

Who are three of your favorite musical artists? The Head and the Heart, Ed Sheeran and probably the Black Keys.

When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? I like to go to the beach with my friends or go hiking.

You’re stuck on Kaho’olawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Spaghetti.

If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you most like to meet? Taylor Swift.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com