CASSIDY JANNSON gives two thumbs up after signing a full-ride scholarship to play volleyball for Texas Southern University in Houston after graduating Benicia High.

It was obvious years ago that Cassidy Jannson would play volleyball at the college level some day. Last Wednesday in front of family, teammates and friends, the Benicia High senior made it a reality, officially accepting a full-ride scholarship to play Division I women’s volleyball for Texas Southern University in Houston after graduation.

Jannson, among the best volleyball players in Benicia High history, became the first Lady Panther to earn a full-ride volleyball scholarship in recent memory. A two-time Most Valuable Player in the Solano County Athletic Conference and a four-time All-SCAC First Team selection, Jannson helped turn the Lady Panthers into an annual Sac-Joaquin Section title contender.

“I always thought of college ball but I didn’t really think it would happen until around sophomore year and started getting letters,” Jannson said. “That built up my confidence and made me realize it could actually happen.”

“She’s been a really big part of our program,” said Benicia head coach Jamie Hadenfeldt. “She’s just shown a lot of passion and energy for the sport and we’re proud to see it pay off.”

Texas Southern can thank former Benicia High softball player Chanler Powell for attracting Jannson to Houston. Powell, now a freshman playing for Texas Southern’s softball team, always kept in touch with her long-time friend and convinced Jannson to send the Tigers an e-mail. Jannson did, and the Tigers were hooked.

“Turned out the volleyball coach and the softball coach are friends, so that helped a little,” Jannson said.

“It was a daily process – working hard on the court while selling yourself to colleges off the court,” Hadenfeldt said of Jannson. “To get a full scholarship means a lot and there was a lot of work that went on behind the scenes off the court.”

Jannson was impressed with Texas Southern’s facilities and liked knowing she’d have Powell there to help with the transition to Houston.

“I liked it,” Jannson said of Houston. “It was down to earth and really nice.”

Texas Southern was impressed with an outside hitter completely committed to volleyball with experience at the club, international and beach level.

“She’s in command of the court offensively and defensively,” Hadenfeldt said. “She’s a special player who is very passionate about the sport. Every time she gets out there, she plays her heart out. Everyone feeds off her energy and it’s fun to watch her play.”

Sharing is caring!