Russ Rose Then (1995): “Jodi has the mechanics to hit the ball hard and quick. She’s not going to be a big middle hitter, but she’s going to be a successful competitive hitter. If Jodi can process what she’s seen and learned the last 2 seasons and pick up what was available from the players that have proceeded her, then we should have an opportunity to have a good season. Her work-ethic is exemplary and she has a sincere desire to be the best she can. She will surprise some teams this year.”
1995 Season (Junior) Season Recap: Played in all 35 matches and 112 of 116 sets … finished 2nd on the team with 116 blocks (1.00 blocks/set) … a regular in the starting rotation, she posted 244 kills (2.10 kills/set) and 126 digs (1.09 digs/set) on the season … set career highs with 21 kills and 10 blocks against Illinois (11/24) and 10 digs against Washington (9/2) … recorded double digit kills on 9 occasions including each of the last 3 Big Ten matches.
Before Penn State: Niswender distinguished herself academically and athletically at Fort Collins HS in Fort Collins, Colorado … earned All-State and All-Conference honors 3 times in volleyball, as a starting middle blocker/outside hitter, and 3 times in basketball, as a post player … was a team captain in both sports … a highlight of her senior year was participating in the annual North-South all-star match … selected to compete in the 1993 All-State Games … her volleyball teams placed 2nd in the state her junior and senior seasons … was honored annually for her excellence in the classroom.