'Spark-plug' exits the court with laughter
Andrew Dodson
Issue date: 11/8/07 Section: Sports
Everything started when head volleyball coach Chris Gravel began building a team in 2004. One athlete stood out in the recruiting class three years ago. Jen Pilot was not the top recruit and did not start immediately, but her impact on the team is helping bring success to a program prepared to leap into the national level.
"She has become reliable as a player," Gravel said. "Early in her career, you never knew what 'Jen' was going to show up. Now I can count on her to make this team better whenever she steps out on the court."
Pilot, a senior and middle-hitter, is a native of Dowagiac, Mich. She said she cannot remember a time when volleyball was not a part of her life.
"I came out of the womb with a volleyball in my hands and a desire to spike it as soon as I acquired the muscular strength and coordination to do so," she said.
Pilot's humor is apparent on and off the court and is a vital aspect to the Charger team. Whether it's warming up for practice or strolling to class, her energy radiates around campus and reflects back through the athletes and classmates with whom she interacts.
Teammate Stephanie Booms, a junior, said she enjoys watching Pilot when the Inspector
Gadget techno theme song comes on during their warm-up.
"Jen loves to run around like crazy," Booms said.
Pilot said she bursts out in laughter when she is announced as, "Jen 'the Spark-Plug' Pilot," before games. Most teams have a player that explodes with excitement after a major point - or for no reason at all - and for the Chargers, Pilot fills that position.
Her excitement is honest pride for her team and school. She said she hopes to spread excitement and feed the crowd in order to forward her team to victory.
"Volleyball is a game of embellishment," Pilot said. "So, I feel a little embellishment in the form of me maniacally jumping up and down and pumping my fists is a completely appropriate way to make the game more thrilling for everyone involved."
After this season comes to an end, Pilot said there will be a gap in her life without practice or games and spending quality time with her teammates on the court. But she looks forward to graduating and beginning a career, without volleyball.
"Large income in the future? Yes please."
Hillsdale College Collegian, 2007
"She has become reliable as a player," Gravel said. "Early in her career, you never knew what 'Jen' was going to show up. Now I can count on her to make this team better whenever she steps out on the court."
Pilot, a senior and middle-hitter, is a native of Dowagiac, Mich. She said she cannot remember a time when volleyball was not a part of her life.
"I came out of the womb with a volleyball in my hands and a desire to spike it as soon as I acquired the muscular strength and coordination to do so," she said.
Pilot's humor is apparent on and off the court and is a vital aspect to the Charger team. Whether it's warming up for practice or strolling to class, her energy radiates around campus and reflects back through the athletes and classmates with whom she interacts.
Teammate Stephanie Booms, a junior, said she enjoys watching Pilot when the Inspector
Gadget techno theme song comes on during their warm-up.
"Jen loves to run around like crazy," Booms said.
Pilot said she bursts out in laughter when she is announced as, "Jen 'the Spark-Plug' Pilot," before games. Most teams have a player that explodes with excitement after a major point - or for no reason at all - and for the Chargers, Pilot fills that position.
Her excitement is honest pride for her team and school. She said she hopes to spread excitement and feed the crowd in order to forward her team to victory.
"Volleyball is a game of embellishment," Pilot said. "So, I feel a little embellishment in the form of me maniacally jumping up and down and pumping my fists is a completely appropriate way to make the game more thrilling for everyone involved."
After this season comes to an end, Pilot said there will be a gap in her life without practice or games and spending quality time with her teammates on the court. But she looks forward to graduating and beginning a career, without volleyball.
"Large income in the future? Yes please."
Hillsdale College Collegian, 2007
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