The University of Mississippi Athletics
It's All About Attitude
10/24/2002 | Volleyball
Oct. 24, 2002
By Chris Purser, Sports Information Student Assistant
Jade Polonich grew up in an athletic family. Since her father was once a professional hockey player with the Detroit Red Wings from 1976-83, it seemed only natural that 5-foot-5 junior would follow in her mother's footsteps and play volleyball, right? According to Polonich, that was not always the case.
"If I was a boy, I'd probably be playing hockey," said the Sir Winston Churchill High School graduate, whose parents are Dennis and Angie Polonich. "I could play hockey as a girl, but my dad never really pressured me to do that."
Polonich definitely has the attitude to play hockey. Or football. Or any kind of contact sport that she can think of. Growing up in an athletic family, Polonich credits athletics and her family for where she is today.
"My whole family had a big influence on me growing up," Polonich said. "They weren't hard on me, but winning has always been in our blood. They have had a huge impact on my success so far."
That success has been well noticed by the coaches and the other players. This season, she has seen action in 30 games and has recorded 29 kills from her setter position. She has also posted a team-best 560 assists so far this season, giving her nearly 1,400 assists for her Lady Rebel volleyball career. Polonich, who was named to the University of Montana All-Tournament Team in the season-opening's competition Aug. 30-31, went over the 1,000-assists mark the following weekend (Sept. 6-7) at the Baylor University Tournament.
Described by many as outgoing, her feisty attitude has helped her gain the respect of her teammates, some of whom see her as a leader on the court.
"Jade is a very dynamic person on the court," said senior Amy Ewing. "She brings a lot of energy, but she also demands a lot of energy from her teammates. She makes it fun for us when we play with her."
That energy on the court comes as second nature to Polonich.
"That's my whole mind-set," the junior Psychology major said. "Set the tone for the game and help our team win."
In fact, her love for athletics is one of the reasons she is a two-sport athlete at Ole Miss, playing both volleyball and women's golf. The Calgary, Alberta, native chose to come to Ole Miss after she found out that she could play both sports for the university.
"This was one of the Division I level schools that would let me play both sports," Polonich said. "Also, this is such beautiful campus."
Whether it's playing golf or volleyball, Polonich gives it everything she has all the time. Both sports are equally demanding, but again, that just comes as second nature to her.
"Jade is awesome," said Ole Miss volleyball head coach Joe Getzin. "Her energy level and what she brings to the court everyday is what every coach dreams of. She comes in ready to practice and she works hard."
And, she hopes her attitude and love of sports will prepare her for a future in athletics, maybe even playing hockey again.
"I definitely want to stay in sports," Polonich said. "That has been my whole life."
Whether its volleyball or golf, Polonich's feisty attitude will continue to shine.
