FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 4, 2021) – With a week left until the start of preseason camp, the Northern Arizona volleyball Q&A series wraps up with
Jordan Cherniss, an incoming freshman from Colton, Calif. Cherniss, a 5-11 defensive specialist, was a three-time Citrus Belt League honoree at Redlands East Valley High School during her high school career.
Q: What is the one thing that excites you most about joining the NAU Volleyball program?
A: Honestly, the support of my teammates. I've never been in an atmosphere where we've pushed each other this much. I've only been up (in Flagstaff) for a month, but in open gym it's always supportive. If you miss a ball, they'll tell you you'll get the next one. It's great to be in a supportive atmosphere.
Q: How would you describe yourself as a volleyball player?
A: I like to think I push others and make the team better. You can't do it without five other people on the court, so I like to think that we do it as a whole (team).
Q: If you weren't playing volleyball, what sport would you be playing?
A: Oh gosh. Probably softball because I've always had an interest in that.
Q: What was it like growing up with a mother who coaches volleyball and what did you learn about the sport from her?
A: It's always been a huge advantage to have her as a coach because I've grown up around older girls and what good examples are. But it definitely has had its hard moments like at my tournaments having to tell her to just be a parent. But we've definitely gotten used to it together.
Q: Speaking of your mother, one of your most exciting memories was watching your mother win a national championship. What was that moment like and how did that inspire you as you moved through your volleyball career?
A: I had to watch it online because I had school, but to see her excitement and how much she cared about her team, it made me want to find that moment for myself in college and eventually win my own national championship. I was really excited for her and her team.
Q: What are you planning to major in and why?
A: I'm planning on majoring in mechanical engineering. I took a robotics class in seventh grade and ever since then, it clicked with me. Math has always been my strong suit so it's always something I wanted to pursue.
Q: You were an outside hitter in high school and now you're making the transition to the back row here at NAU. How are you preparing for that transition?
A: I'm really excited for it. I'm going into it with an open mind. I'll go wherever (the coaches) want me. If it means I'm on the court, I'll do whatever they need me to. I've always loved passing more than hitting because I've always been like an underdog, so passing has always been my favorite.
Q: You love you bake and cook, so what is your favorite dish to make?
A: Probably pies or muffins. My best pie that I made was a peach pie.
Q: Growing up in California, what do you prefer – indoor or beach volleyball?
A: Definitely indoor. I'm too slow on the sand.
Q: What is one fun fact about yourself?
A: I'm double-jointed in the elbows.
Jordan Cherniss At a Glance
Height: 5-11
Position: Defensive Specialist
Hometown: Colton, Calif.
High School: Redlands East Valley
Stats to Know: Averaged 2.8 kills and 3.5 digs per set in final season as a junior (senior season was canceled due to COVID-19)
What Head Coach Ken Murphy is saying: I'm really excited to have Jordan join our program. She is versatile, mature player with the skill set of someone who has played a lot of volleyball. Her experience is especially evident in her serve receive where she plays with an unusual level of confidence and poise. Being a coach's kid, she also understands the importance of giving to the team and doing whatever it takes to help the people around her be more successful. She will mostly play defensive specialist for us, but will also mix in at outside hitter and I'm confident that she will make us better right away.
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Previous Class of 2021 Q&A's
June 10 – Kacee Moore
June 30 – Sophia Wadsworth
