Although a passion for basketball nearly set her on a different kind of court, Iowa State junior Katie Jessen knew volleyball was the right path for her.

Jessen, who chose to be a collegiate athlete because of her competitive spirit, was having trouble deciding whether a career in basketball or volleyball was in her future.

“The offers I got for volleyball were bigger and better, so that’s what led me there,” she said.

“I’ve questioned it before. I loved the aggressiveness and one-on-one of basketball, but I definitely love it here and we are going places with this team.”

Jessen earned numerous accolades at Park Hill High School in Kansas City, Mo., starting four years in volleyball and racking up all-district, all-conference and Most Valuable Player honors. She also found success with her USA Volleyball club team, which placed fifth at nationals.

With her top offers flooding in from Iowa State and North Carolina-Charlotte, the Kansas City native knew the Midwest was still the right place for her. Her transition from the big city to the slow-paced campus of Iowa State, however, would be a resounding change.

“It was definitely a culture change,” Jessen said. “Just the things that you do with your time here and people’s mindsets are different.”

Jessen said the prospect for playing in the prestigious Big 12 was also a prominent factor.

“The Big 12 is one of the best conferences, and it’s great to be in it whether you’re at the top or bottom of it,” she said. “I had other friends at Big 12 schools, and the options to travel and see people was huge.”

She said the opportunity to join the ranks of the conference as well as attending school was enough incentive for her.

“You’re getting the opportunity again and again to do what you love,” she said.

Jessen’s parents also make the three-hour drive for every home game, something she said has been crucial to her time at Iowa State.

“My family is such a good support base, and them driving from Kansas City for every home game means a lot,” she said.

Lately, her parents have been able to see Jessen develop into a mature leader on the court, both in physical and vocal aspects. Coach Christy Johnson said Jessen has raised the bar for herself and the team.

“She’s definitely a hard worker, no question,” Johnson said. “She is deceiving, because she may be quieter on the court but she still manages to lead with presence and her ability to score. She has a tremendous physical presence.”

Johnson said although she would have formerly denounced Jessen as a “terminator” player, Jessen has now transformed into a solid full-rotation starter who is commended for her go-to attitude.

“She is incredibly competitive, and that is definitely one of her best qualities,” Johnson said. “When she gets on a roll it’s hard for other teams to stop her.”

Jessen said she has worked hard to earn a leadership spot on the team, but said she couldn’t accomplish anything without her teammates. Katie Churm, Jessen’s roommate and teammate, said Jessen exudes confidence on the court to give her a leader’s edge.

“She gets into that game-time zone more than anyone else,” Churm said. “She is one of the best hitters, and she’s going to surprise so many teams this year with her hitting and blocking abilities. She comes with a lot of experience.”

Jessen and Churm share a special handshake before every match, a testament to the bond the two have created. Churm said her teammate is an exceptional person on and off the court.

“She is a fun teammate and friend to have,” she said. “She doesn’t like to have attention on her or to talk about herself, which is different from the attitude you see on the court.”

Jessen will have plenty of chances to give her insight with the outstanding season she is already having. She is pounding out 3.45 kills a game, as well as showcasing defensive prowess with 2.49 digs per game. She has accumulated 162 kills so far this season, well on her way to breaking her 274 total from last year.

Jessen said she just wants to do all she can for her team.

“We definitely want to move up in the conference this year, and the next couple years after that are huge,” she said.

“To be here when we get some great new recruits and when it all turns around is huge. We are believing in ourselves and our ability to do well, and that has made me more confident in myself.”