FIERY ON THE COURT, SARTOR HOPES TO COOL THINGS DOWN OFF IT
FIERY ON THE COURT, SARTOR HOPES TO COOL THINGS DOWN OFF IT
Friday, November 17, 2006

Senior Jennifer Sartor has been burning up the volleyball court this season, leading her ETSU squad in several statistical categories including kills and blocks. But when her career ends later this semester, Sartor intends to put out fires.

 

After graduation in the spring of 2007, Sartor plans to return to school for something a little different than the sport management degree she is currently pursuing.

 

"I've always wanted to become a firefighter," Sartor said. "I don't want to just have a desk job, I want to organize the plan that puts the fire out, and at the same time helps people in a positive way."

 

However, before becoming a firefighter, Sartor plans to try out or be recruited for playing volleyball professionally.

 

"I could either get recruited in the United States or try out in Europe, but either way I would have to go try out." she says.

 

After some time, Sartor intends on returning to school to get started on her occupation as a firefighter. She will have to take a series of courses which will prepare her in knowing specifics like where the fire originates and how to put out different types of fires.

 

"Texas A&M has fire science courses," Sartor said. "I am really interested in their program."

 

But while she's looking toward the future, she still has work to do as part of the ETSU volleyball program. Currently enjoying one of the greatest seasons in the program's history with a 25-6 record and a school-best 16 game winning streak, the Bucs enter the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament later this week undefeated in league play and the No. 1 seed.

 

Sartor has been a major contributor to the successes this season, and she credits improvements both personally and as a team to the chemistry the Bucs have this year.

 

 "I think the main thing is practice, being able to listen to the coaches who are there to help you get better, and really trying to change not only for yourself improvement but for your team as well," Sartor said. "My stats would not be any better if it weren't for all of the girls, we work together to improve."

 

Head coach Lindsey Devine always knew Sartor could excel with patience and perseverance. "On the court, Jen leads by example," said head coach Lindsey Devine. "She arrives early, stays late, gives one-hundred percent in every drill and serves as an encourager and motivator."

 

 

 

As for Sartor's individual records, she earned first team All- Conference honors and was named Atlantic Sun Player of the Week when she averaged 5.57 kills and 3.29 digs for the week of Oct. 29. On the Nov. 7 match against Liberty, she set a career high of 29 kills. Her best hitting percentage of .667 came in the win against Furman when she hit 15 kills on 22 attempts and only one error.

 

But in the end, the 2006 season will be one that Sartor never forgets.

 

"It's been the best season I have had," she said. "It's amazing when the whole team just comes together. It's a great feeling."