Though Jade Parchment stands taller than her peers, her 5-foot-10 frame is pedestrian among volleyball players, and could’ve been an obstacle in recruiting.
At the D.C. school, working with trainer Matt Smith of Matt Smith Performance, Parchment went through a variety of mobility, power and strength workouts; squats, box jumps, you name it. That effort finally paid off in July when she tested her vertical at the junior national championships in Indianapolis, hitting 33.6 inches, equivalent to about 10-1.
Colleges took notice of her measurements and her improved play, and it was not long before she was fielding offers. Parchment decided on North Carolina State earlier this month.
“It helped me on the court, which helped me with recruiting,” said Parchment, who had offers from East Carolina, Fairfield and Seton Hall. “Since I’m a small hitter they have higher expectations for me. It’s harder to be recruited if I’m under six feet and touching 9-6.”
https://twitter.com/jadeparchment/status/762413672664825856
Parchment has raised her vertical five inches since her freshman year — two alone this past summer — but that’s just one area of her all-around game that has evolved since she arrived at Holy Cross. A 2015 All-Met honorable mention, Parchment was thrust into the lineup at setter as a freshman and thrived in that role despite having never played the position.
Last year she changed positions again, moving to opposite hitter, where she recorded 260 kills, 51 blocks, 194 digs and 54 aces as the Tartans won a fourth consecutive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference title. In just two seasons, she is already fourth all-time in school history in career digs and assists, and fifth in aces.
“She has that ability to play multiple positions because she’s such a great athlete,” Holy Cross Coach Dave Geiser said.
Parchment said she anticipates playing libero at N.C. State, but does not want to be pigeonholed into one position. While she has demonstrated that versatility in her two seasons with Holy Cross, this fall she finally returns to her natural position, outside hitter, now that All-Met Megan McTigue is playing at Maryland.
“I’m definitely excited to be at my normal position, because I never have played there in high school,” Parchment said. “Even without Megan I do feel like this year we’ll have the ability. In preseason scrimmages, everyone’s playing well and hard. I’m excited because we’re aiming for a five-peat this year.”
NUMBER CRUNCH: 4
Passing touchdowns for senior Nick Kallivokas in Loudoun Valley‘s 56-27 win over Kettle Run on Friday night. Kallivokas completed 11 of 14 passes for 238 yards. Check out the rest of the football leaderboard here.
BREAKFAST LINKS
- A year after his traumatic injury with Georgetown football, Quince Orchard graduate Ty Williams is fighting to walk again.
- After a historic season, Howard football has reloaded.
- DeMatha and St. John’s enjoed opening-week success on the field and the recruiting trail.
MUST SEE VIDEO
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WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Football started up last weekend, and the other fall sports getting underway too. Stick around for previews and preseason rankings over the next few days and check out the football preview section ahead of Week 1 in Maryland.