Jasmine Holland Sets Up Volleyball Program for Succsess
Jasmine Holland Sets Up Volleyball Program for Succsess
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By Addison Manning
Before 2021, Pen Argyl was one of over 600 schools in the PIAA to not participate in high school level volleyball. This changed when Jasmine Holland, now senior, took charge of starting up a program starting in 2022 when she was in 7th grade.
Holland’s idea to start a team came from watching volleyball on TV. “The first game I watched was Nebraska,” Holland said, “I was thinking how fun it would be to play that sport.” Holland talked to friends and family about potentially starting up a team, and after lots of encouragement she began the process.
“The first thing I did was email our principals at the time,” Holland stated while talking about the steps she took to make the program. She then talked with Tim Egan, athletic director of Pen Argyl, about her desire to start a program. Holland, with the help of her mother, then constructed a petition. “We got around 150 total signatures,” Holland noted.
The school board then approved an intramural program that started in Holland’s transition from 8th grade to freshman year. Starting her Freshman year, the school allowed for a Junior Varsity program. Starting with a Junior Varsity program ensured that there were enough girls interested in volleyball to commit to a full varsity program.
Photo Courtsey of Cory and Jasmine Holland
Jasmine Holland, setter, sets the ball up for Ashlyn Oessenick, outside hitter. The set allowed Oessenick to score a kill and win the point
Another important aspect was getting a coach interested in the program. Luckily, Natasha Chromey, head coach, was inspired by Holland’s commitment, saying “When she asked me if I wanted to coach a high school team, I happily agreed.”
“I had always watched and enjoyed volleyball, but I never had time to fully commit due to my family,” Chromey explained when asked about why she decided to coach.
When asked about Holland’s performance, Chromey stated “She is extremely vital to our team chemistry. She is constantly supportive of her teammates, and always tries her hardest at practice and games.”
Holland joined the program as a the school’s main setter, and became one of the captains of the team. She has had over 717 assists throughout her career, with 344 being from this past season, making her a record holder for most assists. Holland commented on the success of her senior season, saying “This season we have the best Pen Argyl record. We also made districts and got to advance to the semi-finals.” The volleyball team ended their season with a record of 11-13.
Ashlyn Oessenick, senior and co-captain of the volleyball team, praised Holland for her drive and commitment to the sport. “We work together to hype up our team, help them improve, and be forces on the court, " said Oessenick about Holland.
When asked about the overall success of the program, Holland said “We have had a lot of interested girls throughout high school and middle school.” This past year, a volleyball team began at Wind Gap Middle School. 20 girls joined the team, and they finished their first ever season with a winning record of 6-5. Holland also mentioned how she helped out with teaching the middle schoolers.
“I appreciate everyone who played and helped me improve and overall had a good senior year” Oessenick added alongside Holland’s comment about the success of her senior year.
Holland also talked about the community support that the volleyball program has gotten since it began. “A bunch of parents did not realize how fun watching volleyball can be.” She also discussed how Bangor High School is attempting to start up a volleyball program due to the success of Pen Argyl’s team.
Holland is officially committed to Cedar Crest College to continue her career in volleyball as a setter.
Photo Courtsey of Cory and Jasmine Holland
Jasmine Holland tosses the ball up for a serve during a home game. Holland's serve was an ace, winning the point and bringing the Green Knights to set point.
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