Player of the year Jansen made opponents pay

LEOPOLD, Mo. -- With her hair pulled into two blonde pigtails and a smile on her face, Holly Jansen doesn't have a look of intimidation.

But after that first spike comes pounding down, opponents realize they're in for a fight.

Jansen, who led the Wildcats to their first Class 1 state championship since 1997, was no one-person wrecking crew, but if a team tried to send one blocker out there instead of double or triple blocking, Jansen had no problems making them pay.

Leopold coach Leanne Huffman said when Jansen -- the Southeast Missourian's high school volleyball player of the year -- has her game going, even double and triple blocks won't stop her.

"When she was on and hitting well, she's pretty much unstoppable," she said.

While Leopold benefited from a strong lineup, the key to success was no secret. Jansen led the Wildcats with 333 kills and was no slouch on the defensive side, where she had 184 blocks and 75 digs.

It may be the 333 kills that catch a fan's attention, but Jansen is more than a one dimensional player. Jansen's 184 blocks can attest to her defensive prowess.

Huffman said the spikes are what people notice, but Jansen is a good all-around player.

"I've had a few really good players," Huffman said, "but she's definitely the most athletic."

Even with all of these numbers, Jansen is not one to get caught up in personal statistics. Her modesty prevents that.

"She's not cocky at all," Huffman said. "She's a team player. She doesn't realize how good she is."

Jansen said she sees herself as a player who still has holes in her game.

"In my outlook, I have a lot to work on," she said.

Those holes didn't show when it counted for Leopold. It wasn't unusual for Jansen to simply take over a match, much like she did in sectional play.

One of Jansen's biggest contributions to the team though, was simply her presence and leadership. Jansen was always the first to cheer on her teammates and keep them in the game.

"We couldn't of asked for a better season," Jansen said of her senior year.

With these accomplishments has come the ultimate reward, a free education. Jansen announced last week she would be attending Murray State on a volleyball scholarship.

"I know it's going to be a challenge," Jansen said. "I'm up for it, and I'm excited."

Huffman said Jansen will have work to do if she wants to find a place in Murray State's starting lineup, but with her talent it's a possibility.

"I think she's up for a challenge," she said.

With her high school career over, Jansen looks back on the roaring Leopold crowds as one of her fondest memories of her senior season.

"I'll never forget the fans," Jansen said.

So what's the key to Jansen's success?

"I work hard," Jansen said. "I don't give up, I never give up. I like challenges."

The first team

Holly Jansen, (sr.) Leopold 333 kills; 184 blocks; 75 digs; 29 aces

Wendy Vandeven, (jr.) Leopold 630 assists; 27 kills; 63 digs; 24 aces; 59 blocks

Dana Williams, (jr.) Advance

Jessica Koeper, (sr.) Jackson 263 kills; 24 blocks; 304 assists; 223 digs; 47 aces

Sommer McCauley, (jr.) Notre Dame 371 assists; 114 kills; 161 digs; 111 aces; 16 blocks

Katie Niemczyk, (soph) Bell City 259 kills; 166 digs; 22 aces

The second team

Jenna Leet, (sr.) Jackson 230 kills; 31 blocks; 6 assists; 169 digs; 49 aces

Whitney Abner, (jr.) Bell City 454 assists; 28 digs; 43 aces

Courtney Wesbecher, (sr.) Leopold 193 kills; 74 blocks; 39 digs; 49 aces

Erin Pfau, (sr.) Notre Dame, 198 kills; 16 blocks; 8 assists; 161 digs; 25 aces

Nicole Tropf, (jr.) Advance

Lisa Pecaut, (jr.) Perryville, 384 assists; 53 kills; 39 aces; 196 digs; 52 blocks

Honorable mention

Casey Moll (jr.) Perryville; Dani Emmendorfer (sr.) St. Vincent; Chelsea Bollinger (sr.) Meadow Heights; Laura Browne (so.) Notre Dame; Ali Tyson (sr.) Notre Dame; Tasha Thele (jr.) Leopold.