Athlete of the Week: Janay Jackson, Ocoee High School

THE BASICS
Age: 16
Sport: Volleyball, beach volleyball, soccer, softball
Grade: 11
Position: Setter
School: Ocoee 

Ocoee High School junior setter recently set the school record for most aces in a career with 66. Jackson also has 93 sets played, 141 assists, 180 digs and 25 kills. 

You broke the school record for aces. How do you feel about that?
I was surprised at first, but I am very happy about it.

How did you get into volleyball?
I (first started playing) in middle school. I always wanted to try out all sports, so I tried it. I really enjoyed it, so I kept playing. My sister (Janiah Jackson) … plays, too. 

What do you love most about volleyball as a sport?
I just like being with all my friends and playing together as a team. 

What do you believe volleyball has taught you on and off the court?
Volleyball has taught me (the value) of teamwork. 

What do you think about when you are in the middle of a game?
I’m thinking about what I’m about to do next with the ball and get set up.

What is your favorite thing about your team?
I love how we all get along very well; we all laugh together and stuff. 

What is your favorite hobby?
I love to paint (using) acrylic paint. I enjoy painting cartoon characters. 

Who is your favorite celebrity? Why?
I would say Jhené Aiko. I like her music a lot. 

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
I would take food, of course, my phone and paint. 

What is your favorite movie?
I’ve always liked “Coraline” — (my sister and I) liked to watch it. 

If you could choose one person you admire to have dinner with, who would it be?
It would probably be my grandma, Reidun Starke; she’s my favorite. I’d like to ask her how she always stays so positive. She’s just a positive person. 

Looking back, what would you say to your 10-year-old self?
I would say (to my younger self) to stop caring about what people say about you, (because) in the end, it doesn’t really matter. 

If you could write a letter to your future self, what would you say?
I would ask what I’m doing — for my jobs and stuff — because now, I am a little indecisive. I don’t know what I want to do, and just how I am and stuff. 

What is your biggest fear?
I’m really scared of sharks. I don’t know why I’m so scared of sharks. 

What is your favorite type of music?
I like (to listen to) R&B music.

Who is you favorite superhero? Why?
Batman; I think he’s the most common one.

Who is your favorite Disney character? Why?
Ariel, definitely. She’s been my favorite since I was little, I love the fact she’s a mermaid, and I love her red hair.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
I would love to read minds. I think that’d be cool to know what everyone is thinking. 

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why?
I would like to visit Hawaii, Norway and Colorado. I have family in Norway, my brother really likes Colorado — he always talks about it — and Hawaii, because I love the beach. 

If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, which one would it be and why?
Probably the 2000s, but that wasn’t that long ago, really. 

What color would you say represents your personality?
I would say green, like sage green. 

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
I would probably be an elephant; I love their trunks; I think they are so cool.