Name: Kristy Jaeckel, 23, Professional Volleyball Player, Nantes, France
Why do you play volleyball? I love to play and compete. I love the teamwork and passion that volleyball has, and how it truly takes the entire team to be successful.
How long have you been playing volleyball? 12 years (professionally, this is my 2nd season)
Do you compete? Currently I play in the French League. We play our matches every Saturday. The season goes from October-May. Last year I played in the Puerto Rican league where we were playing matches two times per week. With professional volleyball, most players switch teams every season.
Most challenging aspect of volleyball: Keeping yourself motivated all the time. Because the season is so long, there are times when your life feels very repetitive and monotonous. Being in France, I am distant from all my friends and family. That can add to the difficult times because I don’t have the people I am closest to here with me.
Most fun aspect of volleyball: Games! When I play in a really intense match, that is when I know why I play. To go compete and give something my all, working with my teammates towards success and having to overcome challenges together is an awesome job. Sometimes I have to remind myself that playing volleyball is my job.
Most rewarding aspect of volleyball: Getting to travel and experience different cultures and meeting new people. Living totally immersed in a foreign place and experiencing that place and culture for what it is.
Who/what inspires you when you’re feeling weak? My parents, my friends, and my faith in God. Sometimes when I’m down, all I need is a good conversation from my parents or friends to lift my spirits, or some quiet time to reflect on my purpose and pray.
Advice for others who’d like to get started: My advice for anyone who wants to play a professional sport is to make sure you love it. You need to have passion and respect for the game you play to get the most you can out of yourself. And you should always play a sport because you enjoy it, not just because you are talented.
Your must-have equipment for this activity: A volleyball
Favorite training song: I don’t listen to music during practice.
Favorite healthy food: Fruit
Favorite not-so-healthy food: Chocolate
