Northern Star: Jenna Anderson

Anderson has been named UMAC Defensive Player of the Week five times this season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The libero is one of the more grittier postions in volleyball.

For UWS, that job belongs to senior Jenna Anderson, who’s thriving as an unsung hero on the team.

“I think for me, they say the setter is kind of like the quarterback on the court. I think the libero is. We go out there, we’re talking to all of our hitters. We’re talking to our setters. We’re telling them where to hit. I kind of just do my job, but I also bring a lot of energy to the court,” said Anderson.

In the first five weeks of the season, Anderson has claimed the UMAC Defensive Player of the Week all five times.

“It’s just great to see her playing at just a high level and helping our team to be successful as well. She’s very humble about it and things like that. She’s doing a great job back there at controlling the defense,” added head coach Lynne Deadrick.

Anderson also achieved a bit of history recently registering her 2,000th career dig.

“In high school I was 26 digs short my senior year and that just drove me. I was like I’m getting 1,000, like it doesn’t matter. So once I hit 1,000 my sophomore year, I knew I could get it in my time here to 2,000. It’s just super special to not get it my senior year of high school especially with all the support I had and then just being able to have the opportunity here,” said Anderson.

Like she did in her high school days, Anderson worked and worked to where she is now in college.

“You have to want it. You have to want to continue to grow in your game and you have to want to continue to get better. I think she’s done that all along and has really earned that position on the court. It is a tough position to play and be in and out every game, be on top,” added Deadrick.

In terms of legacy, Anderson like in the game, gives it up to her teammates.

“Even if I am kind of like the dirty job, I still cheer for my teammates more than myself. I’m out there for myself and my support but also cheer on them like I would want to be cheered on,” said Anderson.

Anderson and the Yellowjackets are next in action Friday at Northwestern.