First-year middle blocker Hannah Jonick has taken on the challenge of traveling from coast to coast and has found a home with the University of Rhode Island women’s volleyball team.
Growing up in San Diego, Jonick said she knew that going from living in one of the biggest states to now residing in the smallest state 3,000 miles away was going to be an adjustment. But for Jonick, the process ultimately went much smoother than she thought.
“The transition from moving all the way out here and being with a whole new set of people was a lot easier than what I was expecting,” Jonick said. “Everybody was super welcoming, and I’m so happy that I’ve met a good group of people that I can call family.”
Along with this newfound circle she’s become a part of, Jonick has had plenty of success on the court. Since the start of the season, she’s ranked second on the team in blocks with 41 and has amassed 62 kills, with 48 of them coming in her last seven matches.
“Going into this year, I thought that I was going to be a bigger asset on the net blocking, but I’ve shocked myself with my hitting this year,” Jonick said. “It’s made a big impact for our team and has been working really well for us.”
With Jonick’s level of success, she’s able to make an impact on not just the stat sheet but also said that her positive attitude helps set the tone for her team throughout the game.
“I also think my energy [helps the team],” Jonick said. “I’m very positive on the court, so that’s been able to help us all to stay positive no matter the outcome.”
Although Jonick has found personal success, the women’s volleyball team has started off 3-14 on the season after playing some higher-ranked teams out of conference. Nevertheless, Jonick believes playing those teams helped more than it hurt, as she feels the overall bond of the team has grown stronger.
“We had a tough preseason, but I’m glad we did because it mentally challenged us in a way,” Jonick said. “When you play these teams that are top 10 in the country, we play more as a team instead of just six individuals on a court.”
The URI women’s volleyball team will look to find its first conference win of the season in a series matchup against Virginia Commonwealth University on Saturday and Sunday.
The post First-year middle blocker finds ‘family’ with volleyball team first appeared on The Good 5¢ Cigar.
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