Todd emerges as GV’s power hitter

Leah Robinson

Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2001 | 9:45 a.m.

It's hard not to notice Jenn Todd. The 6-foot-3 Green Valley junior is an imposing presence on the volleyball court, slamming balls past her opponents so fast, all they can do is watch.

But those who look at the Gator volleyball team and see only Todd risk missing the bigger picture. Todd has helped usher her team to a conference title and a No. 1 seed at the Sunrise Regional Tournament, which begins today at Chaparral High School, but she didn't do it alone.

"She's the first true middle (blocker) we've ever had, and that's nice," coach Erin Hill said. "But this is a kid who two years ago had never touched a volleyball before."

With the help of her teammates and coaches, Todd's play has steadily improved. Her impressive numbers through this season's 20 matches show 265 kills with a .430 hitting percentage, meaning almost one of every two times she goes to swing at the ball, it's a kill.

Todd has already attracted the attention of some heavy-hitting colleges. The coaches at Stanford and Florida have each written personal letters inviting her to join their programs. Dozens of others have expressed interest.

"It's crazy right now," Todd said. "My mail just piles up."

Still, Todd credits her teammates for helping shape her as an athlete.

"This is not just a volleyball team, it's a family," Todd said.

The Gators' team motto says it all: "Discipline Creates Performance."

But it's not just a T-shirt slogan, it's a principle the team lives by every day.

The close-knit group of players credits their on-court success to their off-court dedication to teamwork.

"If someone on the team is struggling academically, we figure out who's the best in that subject and we tutor them," said senior Sydney Venable, the team's captain and outside hitter.

In fact, team grades are public knowledge, since Hill requires grade checks every three weeks. Teachers sign off to verify As and Bs; anything less is unacceptable.

"The academics are why they're here," Hill said. "I try to instill in our kids that a program should be judged on how hard you have worked, not on how much you win. There's always someone bigger, faster, stronger, but if you give it your best, then you are a success."

By all accounts, the team is a success on both fronts. The Gators finished 10-0 in the Southeast Division with a 19-1 overall record -- losing only to unbeaten Palo Verde.

Team members are acutely aware of the school's winning history and say they feel a responsibility to keep it going.

"This team has been to state every year since the school opened," said junior Kelsi Thoman, the team's starting setter.

In fact, the Gators have three state titles and two runner-up finishes. Thoman says she hopes to keep the winning alive, but just being on the team has been enough.

"Volleyball is my life. It keeps me out of trouble, keeps me focused," Thoman said. "If I didn't have it, I'd probably be in the coocoo house."