Jordan Smith

Steve Virgen

Volleyball is definitely a high priority in the Smith family and it

also consumes much of Jordan’s life.

Jordan Smith, the second of four children in her family, is a

junior outside hitter for the Corona del Mar High girls volleyball

team and led the Sea Kings to three Pacific Coast League victories

last week. Her older sister, Morgan, a former Sea King, plays at

UCLA, while younger brother, Adam, is a freshman at CdM and will also

compete in volleyball. The “baby” of the family, Madison, is a

sixth-grader at Harbor View Elementary and she is well on her way to

slamming kills and digging for balls, just like her two older

sisters.

In Jordan Smith’s life, volleyball never ends. It’s year-round.

It’s in her mind 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When her season

ends with the Sea Kings she goes back to work for the Orange County

Volleyball Club.

Apparently, Smith’s passion for the game and the countless hours

she spends with it has paid off, and the Sea Kings are also reaping

the rewards, especially last week.

Smith, the Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week, recorded 38 kills and

39 digs in three matches, leading the Sea Kings to PCL victories over

Laguna Beach, Tesoro and University.

“She’s very important to our team,” CdM Coach Bill Christiansen

said. “She’s one of the best passers on the team and keys our whole

offense. She’s been hitting the ball much harder this season. She is

one of the top diggers in [CIF Southern Section Division III-A] and

just one of the best players in our division.”

Much of Smith’s passing has come from her digs. Her ability to

find the right spot before the ball is hit by the opponent has been

beneficial for the Sea Kings. Smith developed more strength over the

past off-season and has sometimes been imposing while gaining kills

on the outside, and providing momentum for her teammates.

It’s hard to tell which she enjoys most: the kill or the dig. If

she had her choice if she could have a key kill or an important dig,

Smith wouldn’t think twice.

“I think a dig is better,” Smith said. “It’s better for the team

because it contributes to the set and to the hit. Digs have always

been more relevant to me than hitting.”

When Smith was 10 years old she started to play volleyball. She

used to play basketball, but saw the fun her older sister was having

and decided to take up the sport, too. The game eventually grew on

her and she grew into a fanatic for the sport.

“When I’m not playing it, I miss it,” she said. “It’s become a

part of me.”

Since her freshman season, Smith has been playing club volleyball

and the extra time put into the sport has helped her gain experience

and she also created a constant desire to do better than the previous

day. But volleyball and training is not always great.

“There are sometimes when it gets really hard, but it always evens

out,” Smith said. “Sometimes you’ll miss it and sometimes you’ll hate

it. Club volleyball keeps me focused. It has taught me a lot about

responsibility and time management. It keeps you on track.”

Volleyball has also helped her maintain a closeness with her older

sister, who Smith looks up to.

“She always has hope during hard times,” Smith said. “She had some

troubles at Mater Dei [before transferring to CdM], but she never

gave up and she fought to get into UCLA.”

Smith said she has also been inspired by Andrea Collins, a former

Mater Dei setter who died of cancer two months ago. When Smith was a

freshman she played with Collins in club volleyball.