Russ Rose Then (1996): “Jodi has progressed well throughout her career and going into her 4th year will hopefully have the opportunity to have her best year. She works hard and she is a physical player. She is not a big middle blocker, but her approach to the game is good and her work ethic is solid. I am confident that, given the opportunity, Jodi will be able to step up and perform more consistently and at a higher level this season.”
1996 Season (Senior) Season Recap: Played in 15 of 34 matches and 22 of 115 sets … notched 21 kills (.410 hitting %), 12 total blocks, and 13 digs.
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.