Sept. 15, 2009
PHILADELPHIA – When a student-athlete reaches senior status on her athletic team, it is almost a given that she will develop into some type of leader. Whether that leadership is vocal or by example is totally up to her. However, in some cases, an athlete will take on numerous roles given a particular situation. For a La Salle volleyball team that comprises of five freshmen, five sophomores and only one junior, someone has to take on a load of the responsibility.
Meet volleyball senior Sarah Jancuska.
Jancuska is in her final season as a La Salle Explorer. Over the course of her collegiate career, she has played an important part in the volleyball program. Most recently, she has taken on multiple roles on the court such as acting as a defensive specialist and libero. Jancuska feels that expanding her role, both on and off the court, will add to the team’s success.
“I view myself as a blue-collar player who is very supportive of her teammates,” said Jancuska on what sets her apart from other athletes. “I want to be viewed as a motivator and supporter and someone who makes her teammates better. I am always trying to cheer the loudest and the hardest. I try to push other people so that they can reach their full potential.”
Jancuska is one of only three seniors on the squad this season. Unfortunately, with Danielle DiMarco out for the year due to injury, the team is down to just two active seniors.
With so many young players on the team, Jancuska has to be that much more of a leader. She understands this need and has embraced it fully.
“A lot of the underclassmen haven’t been here before,” said Jancuska. “This is a different level of play for them and they need guidance from the upperclassmen.”
The positive influence that she has on her teammates at La Salle has extended all the way back to her hometown of Fairfax, VA. During the summer, Jancuska, along with some of her former teammates from Paul VI High School, returns to her alma mater to help out with volleyball clinics.
“My coach from high school called me and asked if I was interested in helping out with the camp over the summer,” said Jancuska. “A lot of the other girls who I played with in high school helped out. It was fun because at the end of the clinic, my former teammates and I would compete against my high school’s current volleyball team.”
The preparation of being a Division I student-athlete has kept the senior well-rounded. It takes a serious commitment to balance both academics and athletics and, in doing so, it has prepared Jancuska for the working environment.
“Everything is very structured when you’re a student-athlete,” said Jancuska, a member of the Spring 2009 Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll. “Since your schedule is so hectic, it forces you to get stuff done on time. Also, my leadership qualities will translate easily into the work field.”
The definition of a leader can be summed up as an individual who creates their own path for others to follow. Sarah Jancuska is a leader.
