| Only a redshirt freshman, volleyball player Jessie Nevitt has already made her mark on the University of Cincinnati. After breaking the Cincinnati record for most blocks in a match on Sept. 20 (13 at Marshall) and helping the Bearcats go 2-0 in conference play, Nevitt was named the BIG EAST Conference Volleyball Rookie of the Week for the second consecutive week. What made you choose Cincinnati?
"At first, I was looking at track programs for high jump. Then all of a sudden my high school coach talked me into volleyball, and so I was looking at that. I came here to Cincinnati and liked it. I liked Northern Kentucky and Newport. I liked everything about it here. I liked the coaches and the players. Right when I came, I knew I was going to stay." What are your personal goals for this volleyball season?
"One of them is definitely just to make a difference because I redshirted last year and I wanted to come out and at least hold my own out there. I'm still trying to learn and keep using what I learn in the game. I'm trying to get better every time." You set the school record for blocks in a match. Was that an achievement you were aiming for?
"I don't really aim for records. I want to do as much as I can out there, so I don't really go into a game thinking, `I'm going to break this record today or this record.' I just want to do the best I can with what I have to work with." What does being named the BIG EAST Rookie of the Week two consecutive weeks mean to you?
"It's a great honor. To redshirt and then come in and get that, it's something that I'm proud of and hopefully can keep getting more." What are your early impressions of competition in the BIG EAST?
"So far, I think it looks good. I'm kind of worried about some of the games coming up like Louisville and Notre Dame, but I think that the way we're playing, we'll keep getting better every time. I think we're going to end up doing really well. I'm looking forward to it." You played in Argentina this summer with the Bring It Promotions All-Star Team. How has that helped you on the court?
"It has given me a lot of experience and confidence. At first, I didn't even want to go to Argentina. I hadn't played at all and I didn't think I was going to do well at all, but Reed talked me into it. I think it really helped for my first game here, knowing that I've played in matches like this against good players." What has playing in Argentina done for you off the court?
"It helped culturally, just to see how they're living compared to us and how different we are. It also helped making friends. I know all these people from different schools now. It just opened my eyes." How has coming from an athletic family affected you in your own athletic career?
"I started when I was really young, doing all sports, but not volleyball because I just started that in high school. But sports in general I think have helped me in never giving up because no one in my family has. So I figure it just isn't a way of doing things. If they can do it, I can do it. It has helped me to remain positive." What do you hope to do after graduation?
"Right now I'm in finance in the College of Business, but I'm still thinking about teaching middle school or being a coach. My mom is a teacher, so she's rubbing off on me." Who has been the biggest influence to you?
"I'd have to say my sister, because when I was little, she was the one who taught me to ride my bike and tie my shoes. She really stepped up and did all kinds of sports and I just always wanted to be like her. I was always her number in sports. I think she was a big part of my life growing up." | 
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