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Thursday, August 07, 2008

Moriarty High Volleyball Star Sets Sights on State — Again

By Harold Smith
Mountain View Telegraph
      Often the prolific scorer is the one who gets the glory. But not this time.
       Jordan Russell had 868 assists and 49 aces to lead the reigning Class 4A state champion Moriarty High volleyball team in those categories in 2007. She also was a first-team all-state and all-District 5-4A setter.
       She was the best at what she does, that is, setting up her hitter teammates. The Pintos swept through the state playoffs without losing a game last year with Russell's pinpoint placements, including her perfectly timed quick sets, the foundation of their success.
       “She's top-notch,” Moriarty coach Kim Bell said. “Even though sometimes she doesn't get the credit, she has a great attitude. She's got good hands, she's smart, and she's a good leader.”
       Now, with her final prep season looming, the 5-foot-7 senior-to-be has her sights set on another state title.
       “(St.) Pius is always good, and Roswell — I saw them play this summer — they look pretty good,” Russell said. “Del Norte is looking pretty good. They've developed a good program. There is a little bit of pressure (in defending the crown), but it isn't anything any of us can't handle. And the junior class is doing really well. They push each other very hard. I think they'll step up this year.”
       Russell knows she can't rest on her laurels.
       “I need to be a little more versatile as a player,” she said. “I probably need to improve my hitting. I'd like to be a little better hitter.”
       With the offense revolving around her, Russell was naturally in a leadership position. Plus, Bell made it official.
       “I've been a (team) captain since I was a sophomore,” she said. “Just her giving me that role has enabled me to learn to be a better leader and become a better player.”
       Bell wasn't exaggerating when she said Russell was intelligent. She has a 4.1 grade-point average and is a member of the National Honor Society.
       “I've lettered in academics and athletics, volleyball and basketball, every year since I was a freshman,” said Russell, who is considering the pursuit of a kinesiology major at college.
       Several universities, including at least one NCAA Division I school, have expressed an interest in Russell's volleyball services. But until she makes up her mind, she would rather not reveal who the schools are.
       She is keenly aware that she has her family's support regardless. Her parents are Joe and Lori Russell. Her older sisters — Krystal Russell, April Chavez and Heather Carlile — graduated from Moriarty.
       “They all played volleyball and basketball, too,” Jordan said. “But none of them played their senior year. I like to compete. I'm very competitive. Sports are my life.”
       Harold Smith can be reached by phone at 823-7104 or by e-mail at hsmith@mvtelegraph.com.>       

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