Russ Rose Then (1996): “Jodi has progressed well throughout her career and going into her fourth 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): Jodi Niswender was an offensive threat with the ability to hit the ball hard and quick from the middle, providing physical play at the netv… entering her senior year in 1996, she had taken her game to a higher level each season, playing in all 35 matches and 112 sets in 1995, finishing 2nd on the team with 116 blocks … in 1996, she 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.