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Getting to know you: Citrus' Jackie White

By Times Staff
Published September 26, 2006

Citrus senior Jackie White stands on the court with the gold words "believe" imprinted across the front of her black shirt. On the back is a series of sayings that looks like magnetic poetry one would have on the refrigerator, such as "pure volleyball" and "hit the ball or hit the road." White, 17, is a "girl's girl." She's the aggressive athlete players want as a teammate and the kind of person friends like to keep. Her favorite color is pink and she has an addiction to shopping, but she's more than willing to jump in for a game of flag football. Here's a look at the outside hitter who averages 12 kills a game.

WHY SHE LIKES BEING AN OUTSIDE HITTER: "Because it's fun. You hustle and get around more. You get to kill the ball across the court and down the line."

CLUB LIFE: She has played Nature Coast volleyball the past two years with her friend Rachel Fults, whom she has known since pre-school.

WHY SHE DOESN'T PLAY OTHER SPORTS: "I used to play tennis, but I'd rather be in a team sport than just on the court."

WHY SHE DOESN'T PLAY BASKETBALL LIKE HER OLDER SISTER (Joy Porter) WHO SET CITRUS RECORDS: "Everybody expected me to play hoops but I don't like the contact."

HER FAVORITE PIECE OF JEWELRY: Silver butterfly necklace.

WHAT SHE LIKES OUTSIDE OF VOLLEYBALL: Playing the piano. It's something she has done since the age of 5. She loves classically-arranged pieces.

WHY?: "It let's me express my emotions and gives me the quiet time that is suited to me."

WHAT VOLLEYBALL DOES FOR HER: "It helps me make friends and bond with people. And I like playing."

WHAT SHE EATS BEFORE A GAME: Publix Philly cheesesteaks. "They just fill me up."

WHAT SHE LIKES TO DO WHEN SHE'S NOT PLAYING: Shopping. In particular Papaya in Orlando. "They have the latest team styles that meet dress code, so I can get anything there. It's hard because I have long legs so I can't wear shorts."

WHAT SHE HOPES TO DO FOR A CAREER: "Major in international economics and work for a multi-international corporation so I can travel."

WHERE SHE WANTS TO TRAVEL MOST: Venice. "I want to ride a gondola and have the little guy sing to me."

TEAM SHE LIKES TO WATCH: "My house is divided between Seminoles and Gators, so I cheer for whoever is winning."

[Last modified September 26, 2006, 08:48:29]