Jackson Kern's freshman season at Libertyville University started off well.
The 6-foot Kern joined the varsity team as a libero a year after the Wildcats played in the state semifinals, joining a large group of seniors.
“He stood out as someone who could control himself on the court,” Libertyville coach Jenny Smith recalled.
Kern led the Wildcats with 232 digs and also had 318 serve receptions and 45 assists and was named North Suburban Conference honorable mention.
Suffice it to say, Khan was impressive.
A year later, he was one of two captains for North Suburban Conference leader Libertyville (8-7, 4-0). The team has three seniors and four juniors.
“It’s really unique for a sophomore,” Smith said. “He’s one of those kids where you just see him walk into the gym and you’re like, ‘Oh, wow.’ He’s another sophomore player who wants to play volleyball. ”He seems quite modest. But he's a really kind and funny kid.
“When he steps on the court, he really carries himself with an overall poise and confidence and just dominates.”
Khan once again leads the team with 152 digs, has 42 assists and 201 serve receptions, and has everything going for him.
“I feel like I'm a bit of a natural leader,” he said. “So it was easy for me to step into the team and take on a role, as well as pushing my teammates.
“I have to give credit to my teammates. They always hold me accountable and push me to do my best.”
Khan, who also plays collegiate soccer, had already enjoyed individual success before playing in the Wildcats set, receiving the first of multiple invitations to USA Volleyball's National Team Development Program training camp. . Khan has since been honored as one of 12 players selected to the Junior Volleyball Association Men's All-National Team Class of 2026.
Khan comes from a family of volleyball players. His sister Lauren and his parents John and Julie also performed. John Kahn recalls that when he was 11 years old he asked if he wanted to play for the Adversity Volleyball Club.
“He was playing baseball and soccer at the time, and we went to his older sister's club volleyball tryouts, where Jackson would play pepper and play with the ball on the side,” John said.・Khan said. “And one of the coaches actually said, ‘Hey, he’s pretty good. Perhaps he should try as well. ”
“Then we went home laughing and I asked him, 'Hey, would you be interested?' To be honest, I was a little worried that he wouldn't be able to offer his services over the internet. But we took him out on the court and he hit the serve over the net a few times. He felt good about it. Then he decided to give it a try. , that was the moment.”
Jackson Khan also remembers that day.
“I was competing in the youngest age group, which is 14 years old,” he said. “So, I was a little nervous. And I made the team.”
Khan quickly improved.
“I just have natural skills,” he said. “The development of fundamentals and technique was definitely very important in the first few years and I would like to give credit to everyone.”
All the coaches I've been through adversity with and all my teammates I've played with. I definitely feel like it's gotten better. ”
Now in his second year at Libertyville University, he is a captain. Is the best yet to come for Khan?
“First of all, I'm really excited about the next three years,” he said. “It's certainly a very promising future for our program. I'm excited to see what happens in the next couple of years.”
Isi Frank Ativie is a freelance reporter.