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Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(article posted by Jeremy Rushing, Student Sports Information Assistant)

Oct. 24, 2011 -  Consistency is one thing Jamie Drozd embodies fully.  The senior has played in every match in her four years with the North Central College volleyball program, including her freshman season when she was the only Cardinal to play in every single set. 

In 2008, Jamie finished 3rd on the team in service aces (33) and fourth on the team in digs (386) and capped off her campaign with a selection to the Academic-All CCIW Team.  Jamie really stepped on the scene in her sophomore season, where she tied for the team lead with 46 service aces and saved her best performance for the biggest stage, tallying a season high 18 digs against Heidelberg University in the first round of the NCAA Division III Regional Volleyball Championship.  In Jamie's junior season, she once again shared the team lead in service aces with 33 and ranked fourth on the team in digs with 283.

This season, the elementary education major has once again played in every single match.  She has 188 digs and has shown a level of leadership that is expected from a senior.  On the court, Jamie is the vocal leader of the team both in the game and on the bench.  When she graduates, Jamie will have left a lasting impression both on the school and the volleyball program.

Q: How long have you been playing volleyball?
A: I've been playing volleyball since 4th grade so about 12 years.

Q: What do you like most about volleyball?
A: The team aspect, and just being surrounded by people that I enjoy being with.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever received in regards to volleyball?
A: That everybody's going to make a mistake, and you just have to be ready to shake it off and get the next point.

Q: Did you ever participate in other sports outside of volleyball?
A: In high school I also did track and field. I did the 4x100m and 4x200m relays and the long jump.

Q: Is there anyone else in your family that plays or played volleyball?
A: My sister played when we were younger and that's kind of how I got started.  Once we hit high school I was the only one left playing.

Q: Do you have any superstitions on match days?
A: Not really.  I just have a routine when I get dressed for the match.  I have a certain order when I put all my stuff on.  Other than that I just kind of go with the flow.

Q: What is the best thing about playing under coach Kunka?
A: The consistency throughout my four years being here and knowing that she can trust me.  I like the pressure.

Q: What is the team environment like?
A: I really enjoy it here, and I'm the oldest so it's kind of like having 20 younger sisters.  We're a family and I can go to them for support inside and outside of volleyball.  So it's a great team atmosphere. 

Q: As you look back on these past four years, what is your favorite volleyball memory?
A: My best memory would have to be my whole sophomore season.  We broke the school record for wins in a season (35) and were the first team to make it to the NCAA Tournament.  That was a huge memory and I'll never forget the feeling or the teammates that were there with it.  It was a great experience.

Q: What has been your favorite class you have taken at North Central?
A: (Laughs) My favorite would have to be one I'm taking right now.  It's BIO 300.  Which is human sexuality (laughs).  It's very fun, very real life, and hilarious.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: As an education major, I have student teaching in the spring.  So, hopefully I can get my foot in the door.  I also kind of hope to teach abroad after graduation.

Q: What extracurricular activities are you involved in outside of volleyball?
A: I'm involved in “Teach First,” which is a program for first-generation college students who are going to be teachers, I'm also in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and I was a Student-Athlete Mentor for two years. I also work with the athletic department in Cardinal Marketing and Promotions.

Q: Who are your role models?
A: I'd have to say my family, because they are my rock and my foundation.  They've pushed me throughout my whole life so I'd have to say I look up to them a lot and for support also.

Q: What is one talent you have that nobody really knows about?
A: (Laughs) Usually before games we like to dance a lot, and I start it off by doing the worm.  Other than that, I dress up as Chippy, the North Central mascot, for certain athletic events.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being an elementary education major?
A: The students.  I come home with stories all the time because they brighten my day.  They can change your mood in a second, they are so positive and they don't even realize it.  I'm supposed to be influencing their lives but they are also influencing mine without even realizing it.