In this conversation, Jaidyn Blanchfield shares her journey from a basketball player to a professional volleyball player. She discusses her early experiences in volleyball, the growth of the sport in Boise, the importance of versatility in her playing style, and her path through junior college to Division One volleyball. Jaidyn also reflects on her experiences playing overseas and the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. In this conversation, Jaidyn shares her experiences playing professional volleyball in Finland, Switzerland, and Germany. She discusses the cultural differences, training regimens, and the challenges of adapting to new environments while pursuing her passion for the sport. The conversation highlights her growth as a player and the unique experiences she encountered in each country, including the beauty of the landscapes and the intricacies of living abroad. In this conversation, Jaidyn shares her journey through the world of volleyball, from her early experiences with grass volleyball to her transition into professional leagues. She discusses the unique community within grass volleyball, her training regimen, and the importance of nutrition and fitness as a professional athlete. Jaidyn also reflects on her memorable matches in Europe and her diverse music preferences, providing insights into her personal life and athletic career.
takeaways
Jaidyn fell in love with volleyball after being dragged to tryouts.
The junior college route can provide valuable opportunities for athletes.
Jaidyn's determination helped her transition from junior college to Division One volleyball.
Coaching experience enhanced Jaidyn's understanding of the game.
Networking is crucial for athletes looking to play professionally.
I had to learn to communicate in different languages.
Living abroad taught me a lot about different cultures. Grass volleyball has a welcoming community that blends indoor and beach players.
Professional volleyball in the U.S. is growing with new leagues emerging.
Athletes must take personal responsibility for their fitness and nutrition.
Jaidyn emphasizes the importance of strength training for her performance.
She values working with knowledgeable coaches and trainers for her development.
Nutrition is crucial, and Jaidyn is selective about the supplements she takes.
Memorable matches in Europe highlight the competitive nature of international volleyball.
Sound Bites
"I just fell in love with the sport."
"I was a D1 kid after being told I wasn't."
"I get a call saying, we need an outside."
"I had to play middle for about four games."
"Everything is on you."
"I became addicted to the grass world."
"We ended up winning the whole thing."
"I need to really take care of my body."
"I have a wide genre of music."
"It was the most unreal feeling."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background of Jaidyn
02:54
Jaidyn's Journey into Volleyball
06:00
The Growth of Volleyball in Boise
09:06
The Importance of Versatility in Volleyball
11:55
The Junior College Route
14:58
Transitioning to Division One Volleyball
18:03
Experiences Playing Overseas
23:13
Exploring Finland: A Unique Experience
24:53
Transitioning to Switzerland: New Challenges
27:44
The Journey Through Germany: Adapting and Growing
32:10
Training Differences: A Professional Perspective
39:43
Life Beyond Volleyball: Travel and Culture
41:44
The Grass Volleyball Community
50:18
Transitioning to Professional Volleyball
52:13
Staying Fit as a Professional Athlete
58:50
Music Preferences and Personal Insights
01:01:13
Memorable Matches in Europe