Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
PIKETON — Since Jazz Lamerson was in eighth grade, she’s been dreaming about her 1,000th career varsity kill.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
But her 1,000th dig? It never crossed her mind.
So when she logged both, each coming within the last month, cloud nine was her new home.
“To be quite honest, I wasn’t expecting to get 1,000 digs during my high school career, but I worked really hard to learn that role to help my team. A coach of mine told me that you have to step out of your comfort zone to get better, and that’s exactly what playing in the back row was to me,” Lamerson said. “The challenge of learning that spot definitely improved my performance and knowledge as a player. Reaching 1,000 digs and kills makes me feel like I put forth my best efforts and did what I could to help my team. It proves to me that, in life, hard work pays off.”
Growing up inside Piketon’s volleyball program, Lamerson says she idolized Redstreak greats, namely Cami Chandler and Jordan Morris — each of whom logged over 1,000 career kills.
And if you’ve watched her play throughout her four-year career, you know that Lamerson’s name now belongs in that group.
Statistically, she’s been the Redstreaks’ most productive player in each of the last four seasons. But she’s also grown into the team’s unquestioned leader — a skill she’s especially sharpened during her junior and senior campaigns.
“I feel like, last year, I was looked at a lot as a leader. But this year, I know my teammates count on me,” Lamerson said. “I make sure I’m always showing teammates 110 percent effort during games or practice so they know I’m doing my absolute best and hustling for them. I always try to make myself available if a teammate is in need, and I always try to express to my peers that I’m happy for their success.”
Lamerson’s career numbers currently stand at 1,041 kills and 1,064 digs. This season alone, she’s posted 258 kills, 30 aces and 286 digs — all of which are team-highs.
She’s also realizing that her high school days are quickly coming to an end. No matter where her career numbers finalize, she’s making sure to soak in every moment left.
“People always told me how quick high school goes by and I wish I would’ve taken that into deeper consideration,” Lamerson said. “It truly was a blink of an eye. I’m almost done with my senior volleyball season. High school has really shaped me into the person I am and I’ve enjoyed every minute I’ve spent on the court with people I truly call my family. I wouldn’t be half the person or athlete I am without their help and support, and my coaches and the community.”
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
After high school, Lamerson says she’d like to play at the collegiate level. And, although nothing is permanent as of yet, she has the talent and ability to reach those goals. She’s been in contact with several schools and will be weighing her options.
But for now, she’s focused on what’s at stake.
Piketon currently sits at 6-11 overall. With just five regular season matches left — coming against Minford, Southeastern, West, Unioto and Huntington — there’s still a chance for the Redstreaks to do something special.
That’s what Lamerson is hoping for and that’s where her focus will be.
“I have high hopes that my team can finish strong in the second half of the season and collect some wins,” Lamerson said. “We’ve set goals to reach the district tournament and I know we are capable of that.”
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