Jaya Parker, arguably the best volleyball player in Dayton Public Schools history, will be playing in her final home game tonight at Stivers HS (6pm ET).
While this will be her final High School game in the Stivers Tigers gymnasium, it surely won't be her last, as she heads to a lucky D-1 college to showcase her skills.
While she has been "under the radar" of sorts, her hard work, her personal drive, her family values, and her Stivers coaching staff, teammates, and athletic organization has rallied around her.
And with good reason, as Parker is sending waves throughout the high school circuit, not only state wide, but nationally.
Parker was selected on numerous All-America watch lists. She was recently spotted setting a OHSAA record (10'3) for high jump, which she uses to power slam volleyballs on top of defenders heads and keep them scrambling for cover.
She currently has over 200 kills on the season, a DPS record.
But make no mistake, she has a elite all around game. She also is a good digger and can block and serve well, showing why she will be a terror at the next level.
She made all-city her sophomore year, which fueled her fire to get better. Then her junior year she made all-area, and still wasn't satisfied.
Now, after a rigorous off season and her family pushing her from all angles, Parker has turned into every coaches dream; A team first, self made, All- American, who will be the 1st to garner a Divison 1 Scholarship In a sport looking for the next great star.
And true to form, her work ethic has rubbed off on not only the team, but the entire City League.
When Parker warms up, there is a legit crowd watching her boom the volleyball over the net.
Remember, this is in warmups. The hype is there. And now you see the other players working harder, wanting to get better too.
Coach Anthony Jackson, who has coached her in her tenure, was the main one who saw Parker and helped the transformation process. The Tigers are the City League champions, and will face West Carrollton tonight in their final home game as they ready for the OHSAA Tournament in 2 weeks.
Best believe the odds on favorite to win City League Player of the Year is ready for war.
Congrats Jaya Parker for not only changing your life, but reshaping a program, a City League that was in dying need of a young star.
Enjoy it Dayton Public Schools.
And give her those roses. She absolutely deserves them.
Follow us on the Journey!
@DaytonHSSports
Well deserved young lady, so very proud of who you have become. This is the benefit of a supportive family, coach and athletic staff. Don't forget, this young lady got involved in club vb early. We need to find a way to make club ball accessible to more of our urban athletes.
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