Wanting to be around more like-minded students Senior Jacklyn Guglielmana transfers from public school Madera South with over 3,000 student attendees, to private school Fresno Christian. Jacklyn feels welcomed by students and teachers alike at FCS. Thankful that she gets to experience what this new school has in store for her, and excited to be a part of the varsity volleyball team.

“The FCS team is different because I didn’t know any of the girls before, and it’s a totally different atmosphere and type of play than I’ve been a part of before,” Guglielmana said. ” I love how kind they are and how inclusive it is on the court.”

Her family has been highly immersed in the sport, since before she was in 6th grade. Jacklyn’s father, Steve Guglielmana, is the founder of Triumph Volleyball Academy, one of five club teams in Fresno. Founded in 2011, it started with just four sand volleyball courts on Guglielmana’s property. The organization now has 17 teams for indoor club volleyball, with travel teams that go all the way to Florida for tournaments.  You can pretty much say volleyball is her life.

“The passion for volleyball I have started because of my family surrounding me with it,” Guglielmana said.  “Bringing me since I was young to my brother’s volleyball games, starting a volleyball sand camp at my own house and  playing volleyball in middle school, and high school.

Guglielmana, like many athletes, struggles with performance anxiety and was able to overcome those nerves.

“I haven’t actually felt a passion for volleyball till recently this past year. I’ve always been super nervous when I was in middle school and beginning of high school,” Guglielmana said.   “I was always focusing on the fact that I was going to mess up and that I was far from the best player on the team. I focused on how I didn’t think I was close to being good enough to be on the court. Recently, I’ve actually tried to enjoy myself on the court and I feel it has helped so much.”

The sand volleyball courts are only a few steps away from Guglielmana’s house, Jacklyn shares what it’s like to have this privilege.

“Most people ask me if I go out there and play volleyball all the time, but I really don’t spend that much time out there unless friends come out to play with us,” Guglielmana said. “I think it’s super convenient and fun to be able to wake up some mornings and already hear lively music playing out there at a tournament, and being able to walk outside and just see people having fun playing volleyball at our house is really enjoyable.”

Video shares more about the history and partnerships of TVA

At Jacklyn’s previous school, Madera South, she was on the varsity team her sophomore and junior year. Winning a “Most Improved” award sophomore year and a “Stallion of the Year”  junior year for being a leader and consistent player. She now leads the FCS varsity team as a captain.

“I play outside hitter, but have played every position at some point except for libero,” Guglielmana said.

Steve Guglielmana, is the new varsity coach for volleyball at Fresno Christian. Coaching volleyball since 1987, Steve shares what it is like to coach his daughter and how she contributes to the team.

“It is very difficult and rewarding to be able to coach your child,” Guglielmana said. “Sometimes the personal relationship can get in the way due to the familiarity you have with one another. But in the end, the reward of being able to spend that time together pursuing a goal is very rewarding. Jacki has been able to come into a new school and not only contribute to the team with her skill in the sport of volleyball but also with her leadership and knowledge of the game as a coach on the floor. She really helped bring the team together this season and it was a pleasure to watch her work ethic and passion.”

Most athletes would say their very first coach was their parent in some way, Jacklyn continues to enjoy this dynamic in her life.

“I love having my dad as my coach, and I feel very privileged to be able to say that,” Guglielmana said. “He pushes me to be better than I think I can be, and the way we see things are very similar, so it’s easy to talk to him about volleyball.”

Playing alongside Jacklyn, Emily Penberthy, ‘22, was inspired by her leadership skills. Penberthy shares what Jacklyn brings to the team.

“Jackie contributes so much to the team! As a captain, she leads the team in so many ways,” Penberthy said. “She’s an amazing volleyball player, she is very consistent and has a lot of skill. She’s an amazing teammate and friend. Our team wouldn’t be the same without her!”

Jacklyn says that playing volleyball has influenced her greatly and has helped her to be more outgoing.

“I think volleyball has played a huge role in introducing me to new people, and that has allowed me to develop outwardly because I’m used to keeping to myself and observing,” Guglielmana said. “On the volleyball court, keeping to yourself and being quiet is the exact opposite thing you should be doing, and so it has gotten me to realize that it’s more fun and rewarding when I participate.”

Jacklyn plans on playing volleyball in the future if the opportunity presents itself. Wanting to play in a college somewhere nearby and even continue playing with friends for fun after high school.

To read another profile on The Feather visit, Tri-sport athlete Brad Cheney chases his dream

To read more from The Feather visit, USAF vet Nyle Smith shares story with FCS students, Nov. 9