Many things can be attributed to one’s parents. For junior art and architecture major Stephanie Janysek, it was her love of volleyball. Janysek began her volleyball career at a young age, and as she grew, so did her love for the game. Once she reached high school, she made the All-District Academic First Team for several consecutive years.
“I would have to say that it was my mom who got me interested in volleyball,” Janysek said. “She signed me up for what was called “Little Spikers” in the third grade, and ever since then I’ve loved it. High school volleyball, as well as club volleyball, was sort of like a warm up game. It really gave me a better understanding on who I was as a player and allowed me to practice what I needed to in order to succeed here in the University of Dallas volleyball program.”
Janysek played basketball and tennis in high school in addition to volleyball. She made the All-District Academic First Team for her high school at least one year in each sport.
“Basketball and tennis helped prepare me for the competitive side to sports, as well as learning to give it my all no matter what,” Janysek said. “All three sports worked hand in hand [to get] me ready for the fast-paced game of college volleyball.”
She was on the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Fall Student-Athlete Academic Honor Roll in 2016 and lettered for UD volleyball in 2017 as well.
“My favorite thing about playing for UD volleyball definitely has to be the instant bond we create as a team,” Janysek said about the UD program. “Each of our differing personalities seem to mesh perfectly each year in what allows us to have stronger connections on the court. Even though we come from all over the place, it feels like we have been playing together for years.”
Kelli Trautmann, currently in her second year as head coach for UD volleyball, has had a big impact on Janysek’s game day preparations.
“Before games, Coach Trautmann usually lays out the things we need to anticipate from the opposing team,” Janysek said. “This allows us to go in the game ready rather than going in blind.”
Janysek had over assists in seven different contests in 2017, totaling 332 assists for the year. She is always practicing to get better at the sport.
“By giving 110 percent effort each and every practice, I aimed to get better each practice rather than just going through the motions,” Janysek stated.
Janysek also commented on what her goals are with the program before graduating, which could help give back to UD in the future.
“Over the next two years I hope not only for the team to make it into the SCAC tournament, but to finish in the top three,” Janysek said. “I believe we are extremely capable of doing this. It’s just going to take perseverance and confidence.”
