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Iowa State University Athletics
Multi-Sport Malcom Lands as Star Middle Blocker
09.14.2008 | Volleyball
By Sean Sullivan, Iowa State Athletics Communications
While in high school, student-athletes are expected to manage conflicting sports schedules while standing atop their class in academics. However, finding the sport of choice for a prospective college athlete can be the hardest decision a high school student can make.
Growing up an Iowa State women's basketball fan, you would think that getting recruited to play basketball for Bill Fennelly would be a dream come true for senior volleyball co-captain Jen Malcom. However, excelling at both basketball and volleyball in high school, Maclom felt that she was a stronger volleyball player and began focusing on one sport. Her choice was immediately rewarded.
Playing volleyball for two seasons at Syracuse, Malcom saw immediate time on the court for the Orange and was fifth in the Big East in blocking during her sophomore year. Although dominant at Syracuse, Malcom transferred to Iowa State at the end of her second season.
“I called my old club coach and he said that Iowa State was an up-and-coming program and that Christy Johnson was doing great things here,” Malcom said. “I came here on a visit and I loved the coaches and I loved the campus.”
After redshirting her initial season at Iowa State, Malcom found herself playing on an NCAA tournament team her junior year. Though the loss of both offensive stars Erin Boeve and Lauren Cummings gave thought to the possibility that Malcom's role might change, head coach Christy Johnson feels that middle blocker's responsibility has been consistent throughout her career.
“(Her role) hasn't changed that much, it's just that we've raised the level of expectation,” Johnson said. “Last year Boeve and Cummings took a lot of the offensive load so she didn't have as much of an opportunity to get the ball as she is this year.”
That opportunity has paid great dividends. Entering last week Malcom led the nation with a .518 hitting percentage. Not only a potent offensive threat for the Cyclones, Malcolm ranked 11th nationally with 1.56 blocks per set.
“I think we saw signs of it in the spring that she was really becoming a go-to player for us,” Johnson said. “But I don't think I would've guessed that she would've hit this high through the first couple weeks.”
This year defenders have had trouble anticipating Malcom's shot location, allowing her to force the ball right into blockers, as well as dropping in shots to the open court.
“She's learned how to get kills in a variety of ways.” Johnson said. “She doesn't just have one tendency you can focus on. You can take something away from her and she'll hit it the other direction.”
When the Cyclones played at the Middle Tennessee Invitational on the second week of the season, not only opponents were taking notice of the speed and agility of the Schaller, Iowa native.
“I actually had a coach come up to me at that tournament and just comment on how fast her feet were,” Johnson said. “He had his middles come to watch her feet and how she moved. When she comes back to attack, the blockers just don't know where she is going to attack from.”
Opponents know that Malcom will be bringing her best during each match. While the team has done a good job of spreading out the offense this season, opponents still try and focus solely on Malcom's offense, with little fortune.
“The problem blockers have (on the other side) is that she is out-quickening them and she is getting to her attack spot before they can set up the block,” Johnson said. “Some middles score by just going over blockers, some middles out-quick and out-will the other side and that's what she is doing.”
While the season is just getting underway, the Cyclones look to continue their winning ways as they open Big 12 play Wednesday hosting Texas A&M. Malcom will look to keep her hitting percentage atop the NCAA, as well as keeping the defensive mindset that holds this Iowa State volleyball team together.
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