Outside hitter signs with Manatees

BRADEN RIVER — At this time last year, Braden River High senior Brittany Jaco watched in admiration as her older sister Kaleigh’s lifelong dream became a reality.

Seeing the look on her sister’s face when she signed her national letter-of-intent fueled Brittany Jaco to achieve her own goals.

“Knowing she could accomplish her goals made me want to accomplish mine,” Jaco said.

On Dec. 12, Jaco signed her own national letter-of-intent to play volleyball for the State College of Florida.

“This is really exciting — knowing I’m going to be playing college volleyball and hopefully going on to the next level,” said Jaco, who will be wearing the same No. 4 jersey she has worn throughout her career.

Jaco also looked at Florida Atlantic University and Palm Beach Atlantic University before choosing SCF for its physical therapy program and its proximity to home.

“It’s a really good school, and I enjoyed playing with the team,” Jaco said. “With the other schools — it just wasn’t my fit.

“I’m looking forward to being able to play indoors and outdoors,” she said. “They have a beach volleyball program as SCF that I’m interested in, too.”

Jaco began playing volleyball for fun with her sister in the backyard when she was in eighth grade. The two started out practicing together, and, before long, Jaco fell in love with the sport.

Jaco will spend the remainder of the year playing club volleyball for Manatee Area Volleyball’s 18U team in preparation for her first season of collegiate volleyball.

They just told me whoever they think is the best, they’ll put on the court,” Jaco said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a freshman or a sophomore. Whoever’s the most competitive and wants it the most will be who they put on the court.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].