Jenny Teslevich. Photo courtesy of Arizona State University
I really want to add something to the team. Whether it is energy, encouragement, a spark, I want to make a difference. That is what I wanted to do my freshmen year and now.
Jenny Teslevich
Arizona State University
Volleyball Libero
2011: 15 digs in 11 games
2010: Walk-on, 114 sets, 209 digs, 11 aces
Jenny cried after her club team won the last tournament she played in. She wasn’t going to play organized volleyball again. But that was the wrong decision. She spoke to the Arizona State University coaches. She got to work with the team. They liked what they saw. She walked-on just two weeks prior to the start of the season.
WillofaChampion: What has been one of your greatest challenges as a walk-on?
Jenny: The greatest challenge is proving yourself. The coaches do choose you, but not necessarily to meet a need of the team. I really want to add something to the team. Whether it is energy, encouragement, a spark, I want to make a difference. That is what I wanted to do my freshmen year and now.
WillofaChampion: Many players have the goal of wanting to start, how did you develop yours?
Photo courtesy of Arizona State University
Jenny: Obviously, as a competitor you always want to start. I wanted to know the process rather than just get that immediate goal of starting. If my team does well, that is the most important thing. If I play and we’re doing well, that is great! But if I’m not starting then I hope I am making everyone else better.
WillofaChampion: Did you spend extra time working out or practicing compared to your teammates?
Jenny: We are a very close team and everything we do is basically together. We encourage everyone to do extra so all of us are getting better. During the summer everyone was up at 6:00am doing the “bubble”- running. We try to do everything as a team. Even come in for extra-reps.
WillofaChampion: Do you think you have to be more mentally tough as a walk-on compared to a scholarship player?
Jenny: There are different aspects to it. A walk-on can have the attitude of “nothing to lose” because you’re not expected to perform at a high level. But you have to juggle sports, finances, and academics. I do this because I love it. But financially and academically it can be a challenge. You have to manage your time well.
WillofaChampion: How did your teammates and coaches receive you compared to the other players?
Jenny: A little hesitant, but rightfully so. I was so new they didn’t know how I was going to play. Usually recruiting is at least a six month process. But they only saw me for a week. So I think they were right to be hesitant. They were just unsure. The team was awesome. So were the coaches.
WillofaChampion: Why do you think you’ve made it when other walk-ons do not?
Jenny: The support of my family, teammates, and coaches. One thing my club coach told me was to never give-up. There have been times where you think you’re at the end, but you can’t give up. I try to remember that.
WillofaChampion: When you go through challenging times, who do you speak with to encourage you?
Photo courtesy of Arizona State University
Jenny: My older sister, Sarah. I communicate with my family in general, but especially her. She played college volleyball. She got hurt. She knows the emotions and what I am going through.
WillofaChampion: What impact has following your dream and earning it up to this point had on the rest of your life?
Jenny: I realize now I can accomplish dreams I thought I couldn’t. I can play division one volleyball though I wasn’t recruited. Currently I am managing the demands of volleyball while preparing to go to grad school.
WillofaChampion: What advice do you have for others considering walking-on?
Jenny: Work hard, listen only to the people you respect and love. If you want something go get it.
Jenny is majoring in kinesiology with a minor in psychology. She helped lead Xavier Preparatory High School in Phoenix to the Volleyball State Championship in 2008 and 2009.
Interview: October 2011