Former Sailor hooked on Texas

Alyson Jennings was one of the most decorated girls volleyball

players the Newport-Mesa area has seen.

Jennings was the Daily Pilot’s 2003 Newport-Mesa Player of the

Year, as well as the Sea View League Player of the Year. She led

Newport Harbor High to the CIF Southern Section Division II-AA final

and the quarterfinals of the CIF State Division II tournament. The

former Tar was also played in the Dave Mohs Memorial Orange County

All-Star match.

After a stellar high school career, Jennings signed with the

University of Texas.

Jennings is adjusting to the Austin lifestyle just fine. The

Newport Harbor alumna is a sophomore libero and defensive specialist

for the No. 19-ranked University of Texas volleyball team.

The former Sailor has been a major contributor to the Longhorns’

success. Jennings has played in every match this year and is leading

the team in digs. She is also tied for second with 11 service aces.

“It has been awesome playing for a team like Texas,” Jennings

said.

The crowd support the volleyball team gets in Austin has been

overwhelming to Jennings. Last year, Texas averaged 1,868 fans for

its 18 home matches.

“It was a surprise,” Jennings said. “I knew volleyball was big in

California, but they really support us here in Austin. We have a

group of students called the hell-raisers. They wear face paint, go

crazy for us, and make it hard for our visitors.”

In Jennings’ freshman year, the Longhorns had a 26-5 record, won

the Big 12 Conference championship and made it to the Sweet 16 of the

NCAA tournament.

Jennings started all of the matches. Just as she is this year, she

led the team in digs (370) and was second in service aces (42).

“It was a cool experience,” she said. “We put a lot of work in

during the preseason, so it’s an honor to play for the Longhorns. The

team really helps each other out; it’s like part of my family here.”

This year, Jennings reunited with a former Sailor teammate, as the

Longhorns welcomed 2005 Newport Harbor graduate, Kiley Hall.

“It’s really cool for her to be up here,” Jenning said. “I’ve

known here since I was 7, and it seems we have played together

forever.”

The Texas sophomore credits Newport Harbor Coach Dan Glenn for

much of her success.

“He taught me a lot about volleyball, but so much more outside of

volleyball,” Jennings said. “He taught me how to solve problems and

prioritize my life. It’s funny, but one major thing he taught me was

punctuality. To this day, I never let myself be late for anything.”

Jennings said she has adjusted well to her new city.

“Austin is so much fun,” she said. “There is a lot to do here, and

I know that sounds funny coming from someone who grew up in Southern

California.”