Pictured, from left: Susie Jeziorowski, Jessica Oliver, and Sydney Lemon
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech women's volleyball team is once again adding depth to its roster as it signs three student-athletes during the spring signing period. They add depth in the middle blocker, setter, and defensive specialist positions.
Head coach Dave Zelenock adds these three recruits to the three, Shaelene Little, Shaniece James, and Kirsten Brugere, who committed to TTU in the fall signing period.
"Having six players added to a team that returns seven is tough," Zelenock said of adding such a large recruiting class. "It puts team chemistry at a premium. We have one senior, and nine of our 13 players will be underclassmen. This sets us up for a very bright future, but that future is dependent on how well our returning players can mentor the incoming and how well the coaching staff can bring them along. Last year, five of our seven starters were first year players; we only lost two of those starters so we return a good core. Our incoming class will push them for playing time and even starting roles."
Susie Jeziorowski
5-9 – Setter – Green Lake, Wisc.
High School: Crystal Lake Central HS (Ill.)
Susie Jeziorowski comes to Tech following a successful high school career both on and off the court. A four-year High Honor Roll honoree, Jeziorowski also racked up three Fox Valley Conference championships between 2012 and 2014. In her three years on varsity, she logged a 91-18 record, playing three different positions, outside, right side, and setter. In her senior season, Jeziorowski was named a team captain, earned Most Valuable Player following the season, as well as the Hardest Worker, Best Attitude, and Team Leader awards.
Zelenock on Jeziorowski:
Susie is a very athletic and smart setter, which is exactly what you look for. She comes from an area of the country that trains the best setters and she knows the game. Susie has great skill and is extremely competitive, so I think she will bring that to the team and help push Sharon and the rest of the team to keep improving.
Jeziorowski on why she chose TTU:
I owe a lot of thanks to my club coach, Alyssa Tomei, for connecting me to the coaches: specifically Coach Lola. They had been teammates at Middle Tennessee so Alyssa encouraged me to take a look into the school. One of the first things that I liked about the school was the name itself: 'Tech'. My entire life I have been very interested in Math and Science, so going to a Tech school was a preference of mine. The second thing that intrigued me was the warmer weather. Growing up in Northern Illinois, spending my weekends in Wisconsin, and spending my summers in Poland, made me a very outdoorsy girl and tired of living in the cold. I love nature and all things outdoors, so living in Tennessee seemed like a perfect fit! What really got me interested, however, was walking into the gym at 6 a.m. on my first visit back in March. I remember walking in completely awestruck as I looked at the big retro-styled gym lying under a giant jumbo-tron. At that moment, I couldn't help but start imagining myself on the big screen and playing on a D1 floor just like I have dreamed about since I was 13. After the rest of my visit was complete, I was sold. TTU had put a great offer on the table for me: one that I just couldn't pass up.
Jeziorowski on what she plans to bring to the program:
If there is one thing that's certain, it is that I am a very competitive person. Whether it is on or off the court, something inside me is always there to motivate me to be the best that I can be. In school, this has landed me finishing 3rd in my class. I think my competitiveness, however, is even more apparent on the court. I tend to have a 'refuse to lose' mind-set, and I hope that is something I will be able to bring to the team!
Jessica Oliver
5-7 – Defensive Specialist/Setter – Murfreesboro, Tenn.
High School: Blackman HS
Jessica Oliver brings a local feel to the roster, hailing from Murfreesboro, Tenn., at Blackman High School. A setter by trade, Oliver led the Blaze in assists in 2012, 2013, and 2014. She finished her career with 1,097 assists. In 2013 and 2014, Oliver was named All-District, and in 2014 she earned All-Region. She also was the Blackman High All Sport Award MVP in 2014. Oliver also has made a name for herself in the classroom, earning Honors Awards in Biology, English, and Spanish, as well as serving as Girls' State Delegate.
Zelenock on Oliver
Jessica has no regard for her own safety when it comes to playing volleyball. She will focus on being a defensive player her first year for us and I know her intensity will rub off on everyone in the program. I have a feeling that we will need to add padding to the Hoop because she doesn't believe there is a ball she can't get. I wouldn't be shocked if she ends up meeting a lot of our fans by flying into the seats this fall.
Oliver on why she chose TTU:
I chose Tennessee Tech because it's close to home. I always hear about the great things going on there, and they offer a great Spanish program. An extra bonus is that the campus is beautiful as well.
Oliver on what she plans to bring to the program:
I plan on bringing hard work, dedication, and an open mind.
Sydney Lemon
6-2 – Middle Blocker – Indian Wells, Calif.
High School: Palm Desert HS
Sydney Lemon adds a California vibe to the Golden Eagles roster as she hails from Indian Wells, Calif., home. The 6-foot-2 middle blocker took third last season at the Junior Nationals tournament with Mavericks Volleyball Club. This season, with TStreet Volleyball Club, she earned a silver medal at the LA Qualifier, and will get the opportunity to compete at Junior Nationals again.
Zelenock on Lemon
Sydney is very athletic; she can jump, has a nice arm and moves really well. She not only brings a different style of play with her from California, but a different approach to the game. She such a great teammate, that she will be that player who does whatever the team needs to be successful.
Lemon on why she chose TTU:
I chose TTU for its excellent and challenging volleyball program, as well as the great group of girls. I was really looking for a program where I felt my volleyball skills will continue to excel and I feel that TTU provides me with the tools to accomplish this. I spent a lot of time with the coaches and I'm really excited to work with them and contribute to the future success of TTU volleyball.
Lemon on what she plans to bring to the program:
I plan on bringing my positive attitude and competitive spirit to the table. Being from California, my knowledge of the game can only grow by knowing girls from different areas and sharing different perspectives on the game. Also, I plan to bring my warmest clothes.
Zelenock's closing comments
I think Susie will have a lot of tactical things to catch up on, but physically she is right there with Sharon. Sydney will join Shaneice and Alyssa in the middle, that group of three will hold down the two middle spots. With two freshman in the middle and a junior I think our middle play will get better and better throughout the season. Jessica's athleticism and effort will instantly make her in the mix for some defensive time for us, getting her skills up to the D1 level will be the ultimate factor to how much time. Overall, I have no clue who will play most of our positions this fall. The classes we are bringing in are getting better and better, our freshman are fully capable of starting, as are our sophomores, juniors and senior. I expect to see a rotating lineup through most of the pre-conference play and even through some OVC play.
