Conqu'ring Heroes: Jones Discusses Big Ten Volleyball, Decision to Attend U-M
10/28/2021 9:00:00 AM | Volleyball, Features
In this week's edition of the "Conqu'ring Heroes" podcast, Jon Jansen sat down with Paige Jones to discuss the back end of the 2021 volleyball season, team dynamics and communication, and how an Ohio native landed at the University of Michigan. Jones adds some insight about her future plans and how pivotal fans are in providing energy to players on the court.
By Morgan Wagner
Senior outside hitter Paige Jones has been building her legacy within the University of Michigan volleyball program since she joined the team in 2018. Now, in her fourth year as a Wolverine and her second consecutive season as captain, her presence and energy on and off the court are crucial in Michigan's success.
Between the lines, she is an AVCA All-American and consensus All-Big Ten first team honoree, and has put up some of the biggest numbers in program history. She broke the team record for kills in a match with 37 against Indiana last year, and surpassed 1,000 career kills at Ohio State.
Hitting that career milestone in Columbus was fitting, as that is where Jones, originally from New Bremen, Ohio, grew up playing club volleyball. An Ohio native playing for Michigan at Ohio State makes for an interesting community of support when competing in enemy territory, she told host Jon Jansen on the latest episode of the Conqu'ring Heroes podcast. While Jones did not grow up a Buckeyes fan, she has noticed "Michigan fans kind of making their way into that part of the state."
When it came to making her college decision, she said the choice was easy.
"Michigan is just such a great school and the opportunity that I had with their academics and athletics is something that I couldn't turn down," Jones said.
She has made the most of that opportunity on all counts. Aside from her accomplishments on the court, Jones was nominated for the 2021 Senior CLASS Award, an award that highlights excellence in the classroom, community, character, and competition.
As the second-half of the 2021 season is around the corner, Jones does not plan on letting up and will continue to make her mark on the culture and history of Michigan's volleyball program.
"I am always going out and giving everything that I have and giving my best play to help my teammates out," she said. "In the game of volleyball you aren't going to win games if only one person is doing everything".
Jones and the volleyball team are looking to close out the remainder of their season strong as they continue preparing for the NCAA tournament that begins on Dec. 2.
"In the Big Ten, you're not guaranteed to win against any team, on any night," Jones said, "So for us, it's really just making sure that we're focusing on our side and ourselves."
• MGoBlue Podcasts
