GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Get to know middle blocker Alyssa Jensen in the 10th edition of our “Offseason Conversation” series with the Grand Rapids Rise. Jensen talks about re-signing with the Rise, her respect for head coach Cathy George, being a professional athlete and a mom, and much more.
Season two for the Rise is right around the corner. What are you excited about the most?
There are so many things to be excited about. I think I'm most excited about being back in the gym with old and new teammates and being able to compete together.
What were you up to over the summer?
I had a great summer. I spent a lot of my time hanging out with my husband and daughter. I was also able to catch up with friends and family that I couldn’t see as much during the season, so that was the refresh I needed during my time off. I've also been able to train harder this summer since I'm not recovering from having a baby like I was last summer, so it makes me even more excited for things to get started so soon.
You made your professional debut last season after not playing competitively since your days at Michigan State (2014-17). Talk me through that process of just getting up to speed and gaining the confidence to compete at the professional level.
Yes, that's right. Like I mentioned earlier, I had recently had my daughter in the May before last season, so the biggest part of the process was first giving myself some grace. The coaching staff and my teammates were so supportive throughout the entire process. For me, confidence comes with practice and repetition, so it was really about putting 100% effort into every single practice and treating it as if I was playing in a real game. It took some time, but the game started to slow down a little bit, making me feel more comfortable and confident as the days went on.
If you could bottle up one thing that the 2024 Rise team did well and carry that over into this upcoming season, what would it be?
I think our team was full of hard workers. We all set a high standard for one another that carried into everything that we did throughout the season. Even if things didn't go our way every time, the team was ready to get back in the gym and work on whatever was needed to be better the next day. I think that ultimately comes down to the team that Cathy put together, so I look forward to seeing what the 2025 Rise team can do together.
As a former Spartan and being from Holland, Michigan, what was it like seeing an influx of Michigan natives and former Big Ten standouts join the Rise during the offseason? Any fun memories of playing with or against any of them?
I think it's amazing! It's so fun to see familiar faces, and I'm sure it's nice for them to be closer to home. I remember playing against Ali a lot in the Big Ten with her at Illinois and myself at Michigan State. I also remember Carli from club volleyball days. I don't have any specific memories, but they were both familiar faces that I'm glad to have on my side of the net this time around.
Having been coached by Cathy George at Michigan State and now again with the Rise, what similarities or differences have you noticed in her coaching approach over the years?
Cathy George is the same passionate woman who loves volleyball and loves her players. I think her coaching style reflects that, so I don't think there are many differences from now with the Rise and then with my years at Michigan State. Cathy wants her players to be the best that they can possibly be and will stop at nothing to help her players achieve their goals.
What do you think is the most challenging aspect of being a middle blocker?
I think one of the most challenging aspects of being a middle blocker is blocking. If an opposing setter has all hitting options, a middle blocker has to be ready to read the set and react fast enough to where the ball is going to be in a good position to block.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Hmm, that's a tough one. I would tell my younger self to not be so afraid to fail. Even though failing never feels good in the moment, a lot of learning can come from it.
Has motherhood changed your perspective on the game of volleyball or life in general?
Motherhood has definitely changed both my perspective on volleyball and life. Motherhood has given me such a purpose and drive that it bleeds into every aspect of my life, volleyball included. It makes me want to put 100% effort into everything that I do. I think it's so important for my daughter to see that I am able to put forth my effort into volleyball while also being a great mom. While I wouldn't be able to do it without the endless support from my amazing husband and family, I want her to grow up knowing it's possible to pursue passions and a career while also being a mom.
Lastly, in your opinion, what’s the most satisfying way to win a match point?
The most satisfying way to win a match point is on a stuff block. In my probably biased opinion, there is no bigger exclamation point than to shut down a hitter with a stuff block to end the match.
Photo by Bonnie Ryan/Omaha Supernovas