The Grabham file
While at VCU:
Name: Jennifer West (now married)
Sport: Volleyball
Position: Right outside hitter
Graduated: 2000
Major: Psychology
Now:
Husband: Tim, also a VCU graduate, athletic trainer and cheerleader
Kids: 2
On her experience on the VCU volleyball team:
“Overall my experience on the volleyball team was a very positive
one. I probably had the most fun when we were on the road, since it
really gives the team a chance to bond on another level. Pre-season
training camp was always a challenge. It seemed as though we were in
the gym from sunup to sundown preparing for the upcoming season.
I also struggled with the lack of free time that accompanies being a
student-athlete during regular season.”
On how being a part of VCU shaped her today:
“My time served on the VCU volleyball team has reinforced my love
for the game. I’ve always been a very competitive person, but I believe
that my experience on the team has really strengthened that quality in
me. I strive to be the best at whatever I do. The same can be said of
my academic experience at VCU. There are professors that I still talk
about and remember very fondly. I have ridiculous time management
skills because of my time at VCU. It can be tough trying to juggle
practice, school and something that resembles a social life.”
What does she do now?:
“I recently became an ACE certified personal trainer, and I could not be
happier. This profession gives me the flexibility to stay home with my
children (ages 3 and 4). I believe that this is what I am destined to do
with my life. I still play competitive volleyball with former Division I
players. Our USAV team plays November through May. The season ends
with a huge national volleyball tournament, which is held in a different
state every year. The most recent was held in Austin, Texas.”
How did she meet her husband, Tim?:
“I met Tim my freshman year. The incoming freshmen had to stay with
older teammates during training camp since the dorms weren’t open. I
stayed with Michelle Ellis, and Tim was one of her roommates. I got to
know him better in the training room since he was an athletic trainer.”
Advice for VCU athletes:
“Enjoy every moment spent on the field or court. Never again in your
life will you replicate the competitiveness of college sports unless you play
professionally. Not many people can look back on their lives and say that
they were a Division I college athlete.”