Jackson’s Nadia Wasilewski reaches 1,000 kill mark

Jackson senior Nadia Wasilewski prepares to serve against Cor Jesu Acadamy on Monday, Sept. 18, in Jackson, Mo.

Tony Capobianco ~ tcapobianco@semoball.com

Jackson’s Nadia Wasilewski eclipsed 1,000 career kills during the Class 5 District 1 tournament against Northwest (Cedar Hill).

Wasilewski, a four-year starter for the Indians, said the milestone means a lot to her.

“Obviously every high school volleyball player wants to reach that goal,” Wasilewski said. “I’m very proud of myself and I feel like I’ve accomplished so much and it just means a lot to myself and my younger self that I reached that goal.”

Coming into the season Wasilewski said she wasn’t sure if the goal was attainable because she played a lot of middle blocker during her junior year.

“Middles don’t usually get set as much,” Wasilewski said. “Coming into this year I realized I probably could get there and then I did. I was very proud of myself and almost shocked. I really didn’t think it was possible.”

The Indians’ season ended at the hands of Lafayette in the quarterfinals but Wasilewski said she is incredibly proud of her teammates.

“I am beyond proud,” Wasilewski said. “I don’t think we could have had a better season. We worked so hard and this senior group has been playing together since we were in seventh grade and to see us develop and mature and become great volleyball players over the past five to six years has been the best.”

As a freshman Wasilewski said she felt like her high school career would last forever.

“I thought I had plenty of time,” Wasilewski said. “Everyone always said it flies by and they are completely right.”

Next up, Wasilewski will be continuing her volleyball career at the collegiate level at Wichita State University.

“I’m very excited,” Wasilewski said. “The day after graduation I have to go off to practice because we are playing in Brazil. I’m ready to jump in and I’m ready to play with those girls and play at a higher level.”

Looking back on her four years with Jackson, Wasilewski will remember the relationships forged with her teammates.

“The team bond with those girls is awesome,” Wasilewski said. “It didn’t matter who was on the other side of the net, we were going to play for each other and we were going to have a good time. That’s what we did for all four years and it was great.”