Parkersburg South's Jaslyn Dixon raises her hands and celebrates with her teammates after the Patriots' district semifinal victory last fall inside Parkersburg's Memorial Fieldhouse after securing a spot in the state tournament. Dixon recently announced that she will continue her volleyball career at the College of Charleston. (Photo by Jay W. Bennett)
PARKERSBURG — Parkersburg South defensive specialist Jaslyn Dixon has found a home to continue her volleyball career as a student-athlete at the College of Charleston.
“Coach Tyler (Canelos) contacted me about wanting to play at the University of California, so I thought about it and went on tour with him. The tour was really fun. And me and Coach Tyler, we had a great time together. I really felt like I could do well.'' On the way home, I applied to UC.
“It felt really homey, and when I went on tour, I could really see myself going there. I didn't get any answers.”
Dixon said she was a twirler when she was younger. “For me it was always volleyball.”
Dixon, who is in his fourth year with the program and third year as a starter, has a 3.8 GPA and plans to major in exercise science with an emphasis on becoming an athletic trainer.
“I think I'll miss you.” she said. “I don't think it's really dawned on me that I'm graduating this year, but I think it's going to be a shock when I actually graduate. I'm going to think, 'Oh, wow, I'm actually going to college.'”
Dixon played an integral role in helping first-year head coach Emily Tracewell's Patriots advance to the Class AAA state tournament for the first time in 11 seasons.
“We've never really had that conversation.” Dixon acknowledged whether he would redshirt as a freshman.
“I'm honestly open to anything as long as I'm doing something. I'm not very good at just sitting around doing nothing. I'm fine with whatever he throws at me.
“I think I’m a very hard worker because I love the sport of volleyball and I’ve worked hard to get to where I am today. I think it helps me want to push myself even more.”
The Patriots know that competing in the Mountain East Conference is difficult enough, but they also know they have to stay focused as student-athletes.
“I'm very concerned, but when I went on my second tour to UC, I talked to the admissions people. They said UC is a very big athletic school.” Dixon pointed out.
“The professors are very understanding, you can ask for help if you need it, and they're very understanding with the athletes. Honestly, I think you can do well there. I think so.”
According to an Aug. 4 report, Dixon said she chose a single room. “Because I think it's better to live alone.”
Competing in the state tournament as a senior was definitely the highlight of her career so far.
“It was very rewarding because I knew how much effort I had put in and how hard my other seniors had worked to get there.And finally being able to stand on that big stage and be able to talk to so many people. It was very rewarding to be surrounded.
“Even if we didn't perform at our best, it was an experience I'll never forget and I'll look back on those few days and think how hard we all worked.” Please arrive at ”
After competing in the state tournament, Dixon played for the 17U Pioneer Volleyball Club in Marietta.
Previously, she competed with Tribe Volleyball Club for five years.
“I think it’s probably conditioning.” Dixon acknowledged the things he needs to work on now before arriving in Charleston. He said, “I'm not saying I'm not feeling well, but I'm definitely not in the best shape to go to college.
“I am very fortunate that Coach Emily asked me to come to a summer practice with her for USC this summer.I will take her up on her offer to help prepare me for college. .”
Future golden eagle added “I'm really excited because I enjoy meeting people and there are a lot of girls from different countries on the team, which I think is really cool and exciting.”
Contact Jay Bennett at jbennett@newsandsentinel.com.
