Not too long ago, Wilbraham & Monson Academy's Jade Chlapowski '18 didn't play any organized sports. A growth spurt caused prolonged pain in both feet, making athletic activity too much to handle.
After two years, though, the pain finally subsided. That, coupled with wanting to make a fresh start with new friends now has Jade playing some of the highest level of high school volleyball.
On Dec. 2, Jade learned she made the national team for the Husky Volleyball Club, which is based in Connecticut and draws players from throughout the Northeast.
"It's a really great opportunity," Jade said. "They invited me to play on their national team for a tournament last year, although I was unable to go.
"Going into the tryouts this year, there was a lot of talent. I was nervous how it was going to turn out. I was excited and overjoyed to be picked for the national team."
The club season, which runs into July, will include approximately 20 tournaments located throughout the country. That opportunity seemed so unlikely just a few years ago when Jade wasn't playing any sports at all.
"I had switched schools at the start of freshman year," she explained. "I played sports when I was young but I had issues with my feet so I stopped. Going into a new school I decided to pick up a fall sport more as a way to get to know people. So I picked up volleyball. I liked it enough stay with it.
"Sophomore year at my old school, the sport became more real to me and I enjoyed it so at that point I wanted to make something of it. That's when I started to pursue volleyball outside of school so I could continue my growth in it."
Jade starred in her first season at WMA, helping the Titans to the quarterfinal round of the New England Class B Tournament. The 5-foot-11 middle hitter was named to the NEPSAC All-Star Game.
"Jade is a true team player," Coach Donna Barone said. "She worked hard not only to improve her skills, but she always worked as a team player to better her teammates.
She is a quiet leader on the court."