Jessie Genger, a 5-foot-11 outside and right side hitter, will attend Sacramento State this fall after two years at Gonzaga. She will be expected to improve the volleyball team’s front row.

In 2009, Genger graduated from Kentwood High School in Covington, Washington, where she was named the Kent Reporter Female Athlete of the year.  Genger planned on attending Boise State University to play volleyball, but she altered course to Gonzaga when the majority of Boise State’s coaching staff quit.

During her freshman and sophomore seasons at Gonzaga she played in 43 matches and made 21 starts. She averaged 1.53 kills, 0.49 digs and 0.34 blocks per set while playing both outside and right side hitter. After two seasons she felt it was time to move on.

Genger was used to the competitive nature of club and high school volleyball, a stark contrast from what she experienced at Gonzaga.

“It wasn’t fun and we didn’t compete,” Genger said. “People didn’t take it seriously enough.”

Genger transferred to Sac State to enjoy a heightened level of competition during the last two seasons of her collegiate career.

“I wanted to compete and be successful with teammates who have the same goals as I do,” she said.

Genger said it was tough to stay focused at times while attending Gonzaga, but a positive attitude kept her looking forward. A trip to Sacramento State and a visit with the volleyball team got her excited to be back in a gym competing alongside a fun group.

Head coach Ruben Volta is excited about the upcoming season because of his team’s depth. The team has a lot of experienced upperclassmen as well as two starting players returning from injuries.

“With the addition of Genger to our team, it should really help out our front row,” he said.

Genger made her debut last weekend as the volleyball team went 2-1 at the Belmont Invitational in Nashville, Tenn. The Hornets will host the ninth-annual Sacramento Invitational this Friday and Saturday at Yosemite Hall.

Nicole Bee can be reached at [email protected].