D6 Athlete of the Week: Dalanie Jones, Northridge High School

"Dalanie is an exceptional athlete. She works hard from the moment she walks into the gym to the moment she leaves. She is often the first to see potential in others and pushes them to better themselves. Athletics are not the only area where Dalanie excels. She was recently awarded the School Recognition Award and the Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award by the College Board. We are so grateful to have such a strong leader in our volleyball program!" - Morgan Damian, Volleyball Coach

Student Name

Dalanie Jones

School

Northridge High School

Grade Level

Senior

Sports

Volleyball

Positions

Setter

Stats

• 50 kills
• 14 aces
• 76 digs
• 200 assists

"I am proud of pursuing the sport over the summer when I felt disheartened and unmotivated. I thought my volleyball years were going to be at an end due to my mental battle with the sport. However, going to open gyms over the summer helped me rebuild that connection with the sport after my final club season had ended. I soon felt that drive to pursue my setting position into my senior year. Many talks with my parents helped my decision tremendously, and I am so proud of myself for pushing through for a final year with my best friends on the court."   

What's one goal you're currently working towards in your sport?

"In my sport, I hope to build my leadership skills further as we have a lot of new girls in the program and on varsity. I have had so much fun getting to know the new girls and playing with them on the court. Being a varsity captain for the last three years have been an honor for me, and have really helped me step into my confidence on and off the court."  

Describe your worst sports performance. What did you learn from this experience? 

"One of my worst sports performances was during my sophomore club season at a traveling tournament. I have had many difficulties in my volleyball career related to self-confidence, and at this tournament, my mindset was at an all time low both on and off the court. I was taken off the court by a coach and my playing time reduced tremendously as we ran a 5-1 rotation off of me setting. It was very hard to come to terms with the fact that I was having to be taken off the court because of something that I was doing ~ bad attitude, non-smart plays, bad teammate performance. Through this experience, I learned that if I could not take care of myself mentally both on and off the court, then I would find myself on the bench during high school too. I knew that something needed to change, and conversations with my parents were very big eye-openers for me. I started to talk nicer to myself, and thought more positively about who I was as a person and a player. This helped me tremendously during high school season and my next club season."   

Who are your role models in your sport or life, and how have they influenced you? 

"My biggest role models in my life are my parents. They influence me in so many ways, even down to how I perform in my sport. My mom is one of the most caring people I have ever met. She goes out of her way for the people that mean the most to her, and I am honored to be one of them. She has taught me so many valuable lessons and never fails to make me feel loved through it all. Because of her, I approach difficult situations with a heavy heart and a steady mind, making sure that I value myself the most at the end of the day. My dad is a hard worker with a lively sense of humor, and he cares so deeply about the people who are closest to him. He has taught me the most about self-confidence, even though I might not credit him for it. Many of my talks with my parents were tied to my self-confidence, and so many of his words have stuck with me to this day. I am so grateful for a father that fiercely cares about his children, enough to the point that he allows himself to be vulnerable to teach his children valuable life lessons. Because of him, I am more confident and self-assured, and am finally able to say, "It is what it is."

How do you balance sports with other responsibilities like school or work?

"Balancing sports with other responsibilities can always look different for different people. I think it's very important to remember that you are a student before you are an athlete, and balancing school work with outside factors such as sports and a job can be very difficult, especially during season. I personally always try to finish my most complex assignments on the bus rides to away games or any other down time we have. I've always taken my education very seriously, and I've tried to make sure sports, even club volleyball, don't interfere with my performance as a student."    

What are your career or college plans after you graduate high school? 

"After high school, I plan to attend a 4-year college. I am unsure of my career path at the moment, as I have a few conflicting choices. However, I am leaning towards healthcare research, with an emphasis in women's studies. I will most likely stay in-state and attend either CSU or CU, but I also do not plan on limiting myself to further options. I have also been looking at NC State and colleges in Rhode Island."   

What advice do you have for younger athletes who want to join your sport?

"For any young athletes who are wanting to join volleyball, remember that you are a part of a team. That is one of the best gifts volleyball can give you. You cannot accomplish anything in this sport alone, and learning how to be a good teammate early on will be one of the best things you can do. Also know that bad coaches do not determine your team's worth, nor you as a player. Bad coaches are bound to show up, and if they don't, count yourself lucky. While you can't change who they are as coaches, you can try to be the leader your team needs, and keep your eyes focused on your team." 

Do you have any funny pre-game rituals or superstitions that you stick to?

"Unfortunately, I don't have any pre-game rituals that I stick to before every game. As a team, we like to circle up and say our affirmations for the game, including our affirmations for ourselves and for the team."

If you were to participate in a talent show unrelated to your sport, what would your act be?

"If I were to participate in a talent show unrelated to my sport, I would most likely perform a cover of Hoedown Throwdown by Miley Cyrus. I know that song by heart and could perform it with a dance."