The white-patched blur soars over the net and into the vision of senior Jayda Dixon, spinning into her arms, demanding her full attention. Dixon drops down into formation, ready to receive the ball and send it flying towards the opposing team with full force.
This routine has become second nature to Dixon, a ritualistic member of the DGS Varsity Volleyball team. “The most essential thing to my success is constantly being in the gym and getting in extra reps, along with my weekly practices,” Dixon said. Her hard work and dedication have paid off, seeing as she has scored a spot on the volleyball team at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.
“I chose volleyball as my sport because I absolutely loved it when I first tried it. I loved the team aspect of the game, and how it felt to work together with people.” Dixon said. Dixon began playing volleyball in the 3rd grade, leading up to an astonishing 10 years of experience.
Candace Sandstrom, Dixon’s mom, highlights how Dixon has grown into a strong and dependable player.
“From watching her play as a little girl, to watching her become this remarkable player. On the court, and even off the court, you can see how much love she has for the sport.” Sandstrom said.
Playing with friends, playing at clubs, district teams, and finally reaching school teams, Dixon never lost her passion and her love for this sport. And that shows on the court. Senior Ciara Steward, a teammate of Dixon, emphasizes how hard-working Dixon is.
“During the games, Jayda always comes with the energy that the team needs. Even if we’re all nervous, she comes and gives us motivation. Her strength on the court pours into the rest of the team, so our hard work plus hers makes us unstoppable as a team,” Steward said.
Dixon’s strength has not gone unnoticed by those off the court. Junior, Maddie Alegria, is one of the very many people who have recognized her power. “Jayda always has good energy, and watching from the stands, that energy radiates off of her,” Alegria said.
Along with lessons of agility, endurance, and confidence. Volleyball has also taught Dixon numerous life lessons. “Volleyball has taught me how to communicate better. With how much we have to communicate our next move on the court, it started to seep into my everyday life. I’m able to relay my thoughts better,” Dixon said.
Previously stated, Dixon was awarded a spot on the volleyball team at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. “I chose the school because of where it is. I wanted to be somewhere warm. The things they had to offer and the overall team culture and the sense of community within the team,” Dixon said.
Dixon plans to study psychology; fortunately, the University of St. Thomas offers a 5-year master’s program specifically for psychology. Making the University of St. Thomas accessible to her. Academically and in sports.
On the topic of academics, juggling a sport alongside academics as a senior can be overwhelming. But, Dixon does it with ease. “ School and sports are two of the most important things to me, so finding a balance between the two hasn’t been hard for me.”
Dixon’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. With her commitment to the University of St. Thomas, Dixon has received recognition for being an outstanding overall athlete. With no plans of stopping, Dixon continues to carry her love and her passion to this next step in her life.