Stotts steps up at Hoffman Estates

Four years ago when he took over the Hoffman Estates girls volleyball program, Dan Hutton's ace weapon was Altrese Hawkins, a senior who was already committed to the University of Memphis.

Toward the end of that season, Hutton brought up a freshman, Jada Stotts.

Guess what?

Four years later, Stotts is another Hawk headed to play at the Division I level in the state of Tennessee.

The all-area volleyball and basketball player, also a talented and track and field state performer, has committed to Austin Peay University.

When Stotts was a freshman, Hawkins served as her "big sister" in the program.

"We are really close and she has been a good mentor for me," said Stotts, who is looking forward to her senior year of sports where she plans to finish with 11 varsity letters.

Then she will study at Austin Peay, possibly psychology with a minor in sports health.

But for now, Stotts is excited for her final sports season at Hoffman.

"Even though it would be nice if I just concentrated on volleyball all winter, I told my volleyball coach (at Austin Peay) there was no way I could miss my senior year of basketball at Hoffman," said Stotts, who averaged 14.2 points for Mike Nocella's varsity last winter. "I've just worked too hard at it the last three years (all on varsity). It's not just for me, but I feel I'd be letting my teammates down as well.

"I really appreciate all of the support I've received from all my coaches at Hoffman and teammates and their families. It's almost like the same group of people in all three sports and it feels like we're all a family. They've all been so excited for me and so supportive."

And, of course, her parents, too.

Jada's mother Sue and father Bryant played high school sports, and her grandfather Tim Robinson was a member of the Harlem Globetrotters.

"My parents didn't pressure me at all with my decisions on what sports to play and what college to attend," Jada said.

Stotts is also friends with Fremd standout senior setter Kayla Price, who has committed to Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

"Her mother (Lori) helped me so much with the whole recruiting process," Jada added. "She was pretty much like my manager. I wouldn't have known how to go about it without her.

"I also wouldn't be the player I am in volleyball without Peter Miramonte (club director for Rolling Thunder, which Stotts has played for the last few years)."

Hutton says Stotts' biggest strengths are her work ethic, court awareness, knowledge of the game and ability to motivate her teammates.

"Ever since she came here, she's been very mature," he said. "Even though she's been on the varsity for four years in all her sports, you could never tell if she was a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior. Her teammates have always respected her and have looked to her to be a leader."

Stotts' jumping ability increases her ability at the volleyball net.

Nocella also loves it on the basketball floor.

"She's only 5-foot-9 but she out-jumps most centers for the jump ball." he said.

Stotts led Hoffman's volleyball team in blocks and kill efficiency last fall.

Stotts performed in track and field as a freshman and sophomore, taking ninth place in the 400-meter run at state and 13th in the state long jump.

She plans to return to track and field this spring after taking last season off to concentrate on volleyball.

"My freshman year I always wanted to play basketball in college and go on to the WNBA," Stotts said. "But once I started club volleyball my sophomore year, I realized that was the sport I loved. I could play volleyball all day, every day and not get tired.

"And playing for Rolling Thunder helped me become more of an outspoken person and more of a leader."

A leader who thrives under pressure.

"Jada likes the challenge," Hutton said. "She rises to the occasion."