The Gatorade North Carolina Volleyball Player of the Year recognizes outstanding athletic excellence as well as high academic standards, and exemplary character. According to the Gatorade Player of the Year program. One award winner is selected annually.
In 2019-2020 the recipient of this award was Raleigh, N.C. native Jade Demps.
In high school Demps was a two-time North Carolina Volleyball Coaches Association State Player of the Year.
Now entering her third season with the Wisconsin Badgers Demps has become a force, along with her teammates again.
“Jade was a one-woman wrecking machine as a hitter,” said Philip Goodloe, head coach of Cary High School. “In my 16 years as a varsity coach, she is in the top three of all hitters I have faced.”
As she started her collegiate career Demps admitted she had her questions around if her game would translate beyond high school.
“There were points before I got here where I doubted if I’d be able to operate at the level required, but it’s now been two years and I’ve won two Big 10 championships and a national championship,” Demps said.
Demps' national championship experience was something she had envisioned since she was a child. Playing for the ones she loved back home and making them proud gave her motivation to lock in on her dream.
“I had so much support from everyone back home and it gave me an extra level of competitiveness because I was also fighting for those that supported me throughout my life,” Demps said. Both of Demps' parents played collegiate sports. “They both pushed me because they knew what I was capable of and what I needed to do to be successful.”
Demps attributes her mom (Kiesha) who played at the University of Arizona, for giving her the competitive edge she has today. Her father (Thomas) who played at Arizona who she credits for teaching her “the importance of stretching,” Demps said.
When asked what makes Demps a winner, she pointed towards her competitiveness and ability to give her all in whatever it is she is doing. This is a recipe for success for anyone who has aspirations to be great in their respective fields.
“I also just like being good at things so I regularly challenge myself to learn a new skill just for fun,” Demps said.
Demps has always dreamed of working with animals and becoming a veterinarian, along with her dreams of playing professionally. As she continues to make the ones she loves proud, Demps believes that coming to a powerhouse like Wisconsin, has shown her that she is a strong individual. “I do feel like I’ve been challenged at Wisconsin in every aspect of my life which has helped me to grow,” Demps said.
Last season Demps played in 31 matches and started in 7. While Demps continues to grow on and off the court the potential of herself is endless.
Track the badgers 2022 season, and the ascension of Demps through the link below.
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