RamWire: Jackson Rises Up for Fantastic Finish
Senior outside hitter inspires as well as performs
Luke Zahlmann
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With green and yellow confetti falling, Jessica Jackson stood on the court of Moby Arena, tears falling just the same. Her college experience has created so much pain and subsequent triumph, and the collision of it all on Senior Night was overwhelming.
The green jersey which read “Jackson” across the back could’ve easily read, “Warrior,” “Fighter,” or even, as friend and teammate Kirstie Hillyer has labeled her: “Inspiration.”
Each player has their own “journey” to head coach Tom Hilbert. Jackson’s is unlike the others he’s witnessed, and it’s propelled the team on their own, one which has already surpassed their past adventures.
Every hurdle which has appeared in Jackson’s path to accomplishing her goals has been cleared. Alongside her, with support, has been a team which originally felt so far away.
In the offseason, Colorado State volleyball follows a similar template. Three courts are sectioned off for various drills, players assigned to each.
In her first year, Jackson was given a court to herself. Her assignment: sitting in a chair and practicing arm swings. What else was there to do for a player who was not yet cleared to even jump after tearing her Achilles tendon in her final season at Thomas Jefferson High School?
Jackson was able to reach 10 feet with one leap before the injury. Suddenly, she was scared the commitment Hilbert made to her would be revoked.
This November, she finally reached the height once again. The five years in between the fear of being dismissed and her rediscovering her footing showcased a player who refused to give up, changed her game and pushed through the struggles which could’ve caused others to quit.
“I didn’t give up on touching (10 feet), but I said, ‘I have to be a better player playing low,’” Jackson said. “Getting the 10 feet again was incredible. Tom was super ecstatic; I was super ecstatic. I never thought that I was going to be able to do it again.”
Hilbert didn’t give up on her, and in return, she never gave up on him. The fight continued even when the path was still muddy after she was cleared to return – a full year and a half after the original diagnosis.
“She’s so inspirational to all of us. Through everything, she’s been so positive… She’s influenced everybody in one way or another.”Kirstie Hillyer, CSU volleyball player
In 2016, Jackson played in only 12 sets. She registered the exact same amount a year later. Between the two campaigns, with life finally beginning to take shape, adversity struck again.
During her sophomore campaign, Jackson’s father passed away. If struggling to get back to full health was a battle, losing a loved one was a war.
On the same night she was honored for her efforts along with four other seniors, Jackson stood tall with both her brother and mother at her side. Her late father was still present, if only for the impact he made, his passing serving as a turning point.
“Being able to finish this season and knowing that he’s always going to be there, and my team is going to be there through it all, it was just emotional to finish that game,” Jackson said. “Being with the team that I have, I wouldn’t have wanted to do this with anyone else.”
Once again, Jackson faced a circumstance which has made so many before her fold. Off the mat, she rose and fought back. Embracing her after the game, when the moment became too much, was Hillyer.
Hillyer’s watched the battle Jackson’s been through, supporting her in any way possible. She’s also become used to a person who’s shown others what strength really looks like – one who can carry the burdens.
“She’s so inspirational to all of us,” Hillyer said. “Through everything, she’s been so positive… She’s influenced everybody in one way or another.”
Jackson returned to play in 110 sets last year. She’s finally joined Runnels – the player who’s been a template for her new swing – on the outside.
Fully healthy, she’s surged even further this year and is on pace to post a personal best in kills for a season. The team has been on a similar trajectory, capping the regular season with a program-record 28 consecutive victories.
The motto for the team this year was, “Why not us?”
Before the year, Jackson’s personal goal wasn’t to outjump her pre-collegiate self, nor was it to overtake her best season in kills. The team’s slogan wasn’t hers either, though she’s fit it into her desires.
Across their mirrors, Hillyer and Jackson both have goals, something they’ve committed to since being roommates starting freshman year.
The goal across Jackson’s simply reads, “Leave a positive impact on the people and the team.”
A checkmark next to the mantra would be justified.
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