Thursday, Nov. 17 marked the end of a career for arguably one of the most talented Wildcat volleyball players ever to step foot onto the ACU campus.
Senior outside hitter Jennie Hutt finished this year much as her previous three seasons playing in the Wildcat purple: she garnered numerous awards and led the ACU squad with unmatched intensity and will-power.
“If you sum Jennie up in one word when it comes to volleyball, it’s intensity,” said head volleyball coach Kellen Mock. “She wants to win at all cost by sacrificing her body and putting in the extra time on the floor. She does everything you can ask for out of a player.”
“In previous years Jennie has been our kill leader for all four seasons, so she’s been that dynamic offensive player who we rely on,” said Mock. “When I talked to other coaches they would say to beat ACU you have to shut down Jennie. I think that’s a huge compliment to her that she’s gained that much respect.”
Hutt was announced as a Honorable Mention All-America by the American Volleyball Coaches Association on Monday. This is the fifth time an ACU player has received this honor. She was also named to the Daktronics All-Region and Lone Star Conference first teams.
Hutt wasn’t expecting the All-American honor.
“It was definitely a surprise” Hut said. “I couldn’t have done it without all my teammates.”
Inspite of the prestige of the All-American award, Mock said she was more proud that Jennie received the Student Athlete of the Year for volleyball and the LSC.
“It says a lot about who she is,” said Mock. “She has over a 3.9 GPA in the classroom, she’s getting married this spring, she’s just a complete person. It will be hard to move on as a program without her.”
Hutt said being a leader for the team wasn’t always easy this season.
“It was a struggle at times,” she said. “There was a big gap between the seniors and the underclassman. As a result, it was hard to relate to them sometimes, but we grew together. It was a great learning experience. I am glad I could give my knowledge to the younger girls.”
Hutt still hasn’t come to terms with the fact that her athletic career is over.
“It’s very surreal,” she said. “It almost feels like I’m not done. It’s weird to know I’m not a collegiate athlete anymore.”
Hutt said she learned many life lessons from being a part of the volleyball team.
“It was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life,” Hutt said. “I learned how to work with people who are different than you. I feel blessed to have been a college athlete, not everyone gets that chance.”
