OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST DECADE, CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HAS GRADUALLY BECOME THE GOLD-STANDARD IN VOLLEYBALL.
The program has reached the state Final Four seven times in the last nine seasons – including a championship in 2016 – which speaks for itself.
Given that several of last year’s major contributors have since graduated, soon-to-be senior Imerie Jones emerges as one of the faces of the program from the middle-blocker position.
“I love the team dynamic here and the necessity of perfecting your skill over time in order to succeed,” she said. “There are so many other people from different teams trying to play the same position, which ramps up the competitiveness of the sport and makes everyone better.”
There have been a bevy of state-recognized volleyball stars to advance from coach Kim Odinga’s squad in years past. The names Brooke Frazier (SMU), Sophia Keene (Baylor) and Isabel Zelaya (Pepperdine) hang on the 'Saders at the Next Level' wall.
Jones is the latest to have her sights set on carrying on the tradition, after earning second-team, all-district honors a year ago.
“It’s been a lot to take in at times,” said Jones. “I love playing with my teammates, and I’ve just grown within the program. I used to watch the incredible athletes who have played for this team over the years.
I’ve always looked up to them and wanted to make my own legacy – to be known as a good player and a good teammate when I do eventually leave.”
Jones intends to do that and more.
“Five years from now, I see myself being in pre-med,” she said. “I’ve always liked helping people, and I feel like being a doctor or nurse would bring new challenges every day for me to help others overcome. In terms of schools, I’ve really wanted to go to John Hopkins University, since they have an excellent medical program.”
Joining the medical field requires a certain level of dedication and commitment to one’s craft.
Fortunately for this Crusader, that particular mindset is right up her alley.
“I’m constantly striving for excellence, both on and off the court,” Jones said. “At first, that mentality was brought on by my parents but now it’s more of a personal goal I set for myself. “There are times when I just don’t want to keep juggling those two priorities, but that’s where the work-ethic that has been instilled in me comes into play. I know that I have to get things done in order to compete and succeed in life.”
Count on that same tenacity to come into play when Jones and company return to the court this Fall and the begin their crusade to State.