The Emory Senior Spotlight Series continues with a look at current volleyball student-athlete Jessica Schwenke.
Name: Jessica Schwenke
Hometown (HS): Austin, TX (Westlake)
Sport: Volleyball
Major: Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology with a minor in Film Studies
** How did you start getting involved with volleyball? How old were you when you started playing?
I first became interested in volleyball during 5th grade when my PE class participated in a youth volleyball playday at the University of Texas at Austin. We formed teams, got to compete in Gregory Gym, and received tips from the current collegiate players. After that, I decided to start playing volleyball competitively and haven't looked back.
** Do you have any current plans for after graduation?
I'm currently beginning the process of applying to medical school, so I am planning to find a short-term position in the medical field during my gap year.
** What is one piece of advice you would give to your freshman self?
I have always been a perfectionist, so I would tell my freshmen self to not dwell on my mistakes. Use them as a learning tool and move on, because the next play is another opportunity to prove you are capable.
** Which Emory faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
Jona Braden has made a huge impact on me! Throughout the season, we take van rides to get to our matches, and Jona is my van driver. I have learned so much from her over the past few years not only about volleyball techniques and staying calm in the moment, but also about finding the positives in any situation and getting great book recommendations.
** What is one class would you retake just for fun and why?
I absolutely loved Psychology Through the Arts with Dr. Duke. I have a ton of interests in the academic classroom, and this class was an amalgam of all of my passions. I learned how psychological theories can be applied to various art media such as literature, music, painting, and film and became intrigued by the interconnectedness of various disciplines.
** What is the most unique thing about your hometown?
I'm from Austin which is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, and Business Insider ranks it as the #1 city to live in the US.
** What is something that people may not know about you but should?
I'm a huge movie buff, and most of my favorite films were made in the Classical Hollywood period between 1930-1955. It's so interesting how subsequent film movements in other parts of the world began in response to the stylistic and content trends from Classical Hollywood cinema, and I love learning about the connections between directors and their influence on younger generations.
** Other than volleyball, what is another sport you think you could play at a high level?
Possibly swimming because I swam competitively for seven years as a kid. Plus, it doesn't hurt that I am a morning person.
** What is one professional athlete (past or present) would you like to have a conversation with and why?
I would like to have a conversation with Misty May Treanor because she is one of the most influential figures in beach volleyball and was able to be successful as an undersized player. I think it would be interesting to hear her perspective on grit and perseverance and learn about her advocacy for multisport athletes.
** How have you been trying to occupy your time with given the current COVID environment?
During quarantine, I took advantage of the extra time to study for the MCAT. I was able to stay in Atlanta and spend time outdoors and had weekly movie nights with friends.
** Food you hate that everybody else seems to enjoy?
Shrimp…the texture is so bizarre.
** What would you say are your top three movies or television shows of all time?
- It Happened One Night
- Singing in the Rain
- Bones
** What is your favorite thing to do around Atlanta?
I love exploring new places and restaurants, especially for brunch!
** What has been your most memorable moment during competition during your Eagles career?
Without a doubt, winning the National Championship in 2018 is the most memorable moment of my career. It was amazing to see how everyone's hard work, dedication, and ability communicate through high pressure situations culminated to this achievement. This was truly one of the best feelings I have ever experienced and was lucky enough to do it with my best friends and Emory Volleyball family.
** Favorite non-athletic moment from your past few years at Emory?
This is a tough question because I have so many great memories from my time at Emory. I had the opportunity to shadow a neurosurgeon as a freshman, and it was an amazing experience. Being inside the operating room and applying what I had learned in classes was one of the first moments that solidified my aspiration to become a doctor.
** What would be one thing you'd like to impart to the underclassmen before finishing your career?
Value every opportunity you have to make memories with your teammates, whether it be on or off the court. It goes by so quickly, and while you may not remember every single point you play in a match, you will remember the friendships and unique shared experiences you made along the way.