Jen Hoffman expects the unexpected.

As a middle hitter on the Eastern volleyball team, she lives for the court.

Jen’s love for volleyball has been growing for 5 years. She began her volleyball career at a Camp Saginaw and hasn’t stop playing since.

“It’s so reviving,” said Jen, “every game is different and exciting.” She has been with the same girls for the past 3 years and doesn’t regret a single thing. Before every game and during practice, the girls volleyball team warms up with arm stretches and hitting lines. “It’s a team effort. Even if there is one good player, it doesn’t matter unless the rest of the team plays well, too. We are supposed to win off of six people.”

Jen balances school work and sports whenever she can. On the way to a game or while JV is playing, she spends her time doing work and catching up with her studies. In college, she plans on continuing her passion by joining a volleyball club.

“Don’t get frustrated. Volleyball is a mental game. When you lose, move on and look forward to the next game,” said Jen to all of the new players. Whenever she loses, Jen pretends the point never happened and looks forward to the next game, hoping to turn it around.

“I love my team,” she said. “I’ve been with these girls since freshman year. The schools we go against, like Cherokee, are intense.” explained Hoffman.

Hoffman has many activities after games like Little Sister Day and pasta parties, even if it’s a loss or not.

Being a middle hitter is hard, so during her free time she spends time with her friends, goes to the movies, sits around watching Netflix, or just relaxes the games off.

“Play hard when it’s easy so when it’s easy it’s hard. Nothing less than your best,” said Jen Hoffman. “Those are the two things my coach likes to say.”