Across The Net: Caroline Kasson - Jacksonville State University Athletics

With Covid-19 forcing the 2020 volleyball season to the spring of 2021. The Jacksonville State program wanted to introduce its freshmen throughout a short series titled "Across the Net" where the JSU community can learn more about the newest members of the roster before the February start date.

This week's spotlight freshman is Melissa, Texas, native, Caroline Kasson.

Kasson becomes the second Gamecocks out of the Lone Star State along with senior defensive specialist Dani Steele. The Melissa High standout is a former Texas Sportswriters Association 4A Player of the Year, a honor she doesn't take lightly.

"It was definitely a huge thing," said Kasson. "Just being from a small town in Texas, it's pretty big to get something like that at a 4A school."

For the MHS Cardinals, Kasson was team MVP each of her final three years as she finished her prep career with over 1,800 kills, 1,200 digs and 170 blocks. Additionally, she played for clubs Victory Volleyball, Summit and Dallas Arsenal while in high school.

The recruiting trail pointed her in the direction of JSU, among other reasons, she knew she wanted to pursue studying Kinesiology and was excited about JSU's program. Once she was able to make her visit, the decision seemed to fall into place.

"Coming here, the campus is beautiful. When I met the girls, the volleyball team, they're all super nice and fun to hang around. I felt like I just belonged here."

For the Gamecocks, the six-foot star will work the pins as an electric outside hitter. But like many of her teammates, volleyball has been her only athletic experience bring her to this point.

"In middle school I did basketball and track, but then in elementary school I played softball, and some soccer too."

Caroline and the rest of the Gamecocks will return to campus following the holiday break and begin preseason work toward the 2020-21 Ohio Valley Conference volleyball season.

Any Pets?
"I had two dogs, one recently died, but we still have the other dog. They were both Pomeranians and we named them based off what they looked like. The one who is still with us is Luna, for the moon, because she's black."

What's your pandemic binge-watch show?
"Definitely The Office, and Friends, but it's not on Netflix so I have to find Hulu or something. But those are my two favorite shows to watch."

How has the start of college been during this time?
"It's so interesting. I mean it still feels like not much of a difference coming from high school to college. There's still in-person class, of course the pandemic makes it different, like there'd be more students coming and class schedules would be different for us."

Players Mentioned

Caroline Kasson

Dani Steele

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