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'Cane has a powerful presence

Jackie White is a strong outside hitter with a vivacious personality.

By DAWN REISS
Published September 15, 2005

INVERNESS - Jackie White stands on the court pensively looking at the ball in her hand.

"I get really scared when I serve," White said, laughing.

She takes a big gulp of air and blows out before slamming the ball over the net. It's become one of the trademarks for White, who has made a name for herself on and off Citrus' court with hard hitting and a vivacious personality.

Volleyball is her sport. White, 16, said she was supposed to play basketball, like her older sister, Joy Porter Salters. The 1992 Citrus grad received all-state recognition and led the Hurricanes to unprecedent success as their first 1,000-point scorer before playing at Florida Atlantic University and Lynn University.

But for White and basketball, "I just carried the ball instead of dribbling it," she said. "I didn't like the contact."

White tried her hand at tennis but missed the team camaraderie. The second-year volleyball starter tried out for the squad in eighth grade and was cut. She joined the Nature Coast Volleyball Club, improving enough to make the Citrus junior varsity as a freshman. Last season White secured a varsity spot as a middle blocker before taking over this year as a 5-foot-7 junior outside hitter.

Teammates say her hitting has drastically improved and that she is more consistent. White said she focused on hustling and learning how to pass more effectively in off-season camps and by watching her favorite player, University of Florida's Jane Collymore.

When Citrus (5-2 and 1-1 in Class 4A, District 6) faces rival Lecanto (3-6, 3-4) today at 7 p.m. in an away match, White likely will be among the top players. Her power hitting and strong decision making have lifted the 'Canes time after time. Against Crystal River (7-0, 6-0) on Sept.7, White's 14 service points, including five aces, pressured the Pirates in a four-game match. Against Wildwood, she slammed in five consecutive points in the final game.

"Jackie's an all-around good player," Citrus coach Alice Christian said. "She has nice passes and serves. She's got a good level head, and she's a great hitter."

White, who has a 3.75 GPA, is partly responsible for the Hurricanes' newfound success. Last year, they had a lone win - from a forfeit.

"Jackie's a very dedicated player," setter Amanda Pretulac said. "She's loud. She always has a smile and will laugh when we're down to bring everyone else up. She's very dependable. I know when I give her a good set, she'll rail it over."

--Dawn Reiss can be reached at 352 860-7303 or dreiss@sptimes.com

[Last modified September 15, 2005, 01:05:21]