Francis Howell North sophomore middle Kyndal Jacobs has taken to the game of volleyball in quick fashion as she has made the switch from full-time dancer to more of a focus on the volleyball court, which she hopes will lead to a bright future in high school, college, and beyond.
Kyndal Jacobs picks things up – fast.
The Francis Howell North sophomore middle blocker/middle hitter, who has been a competitive dancer since the age of five, only recently took up the sport of volleyball and has already proven to be something of a quick study.
After taking up the sport in 2023, the 5-foot-11 Jacobs is, as of press time, leading the metro area in blocks with 96. She even amassed double digits with 11 blocks against Liberty on Oct. 1 and 10 against Duchesne on Sept. 11.
She credits the foundation laid by dance for her volleyball success.
“Dance requires a lot of things that help me with volleyball, such as body awareness, overall strength, stamina, and conditioning all through the process of repetition that comes with rehearsal days (of more than four hours),” Jacobs said. “My coaches and teammates in both high school and club (where she plays for the Missouri Volleyball Academy) have helped me work on the technique to get blocks. This has been an enjoyable process.”
Jacobs said that she’s had to undergo something of a switch in mindset with her newly-found sport for North (9-12-1).
She said that she just loves the camaraderie that comes with being on the spiker’s court.
“Volleyball, to me, is an opportunity to be a part of a team, (where) dance is more individually driven,” Jacobs said. “I love being able to go into the huddle, no matter the play, and motivate, and be motivated my teammates throughout the game. I consider volleyball a mixture of both mental and physical (attributes). Since I’m new to the sport, I’m always learning new things on and off the court, and in between those times, I’m putting in the work to be able to do the things I set my mind to (accomplishing).”
Just as Jacobs loves her new endeavor, those around her love the fact that she’s on the team and they love what she adds to the Knights.
Not surprisingly, junior defensive specialist Kiley Harris said that the energy the dancer brings to the volleyball court is infectious.
“Kyndal’s energy on the court is unmatched,” Harris said. “She is loud and animated in our team huddles and always cheers the team up. She’s a huge help to the team and we all love her so much.”
While the fire is nice, Howell North coach Stephanie Fisk said that the statistical output from her sophomore is also crucial to the team’s success.
In addition to the blocks, Jacobs has added a team-high 97 kills in 67 games, among other things.
“Kyndal is a natural athlete,” Fisk said. “Volleyball is a new sport to her. Most girls her age started playing between 10-12 years old, and at a club level. It is rare to find her level of talent after such a late start, as volleyball is very competitive in our region and nationwide. Kyndal is a successful blocker due to her vertical jump, ability to press her hands deep in the other court, and her fluid and quick lateral movement across the net.”
The coach compared Jacobs’ work ethic and natural ability to someone who has achieved great success on the volleyball court. The coach added that Jacobs has important attributes that can’t be taught.
“Kyndal is all fire,” Fisk said. “On a relatively quiet team, I can often hear Kyndal on the court. She is competitive. She wants to win. She wants her team to win. She celebrates points and successes and has obvious mental toughness. She is definitely one to watch.”
While Jacobs’ past has included performing at a national championship level in dance, she would like to see just to what heights her new-found sport can take her.
She’s aiming for big things, both in volleyball and in life, she said.
“My goal is to hopefully play Division I volleyball,” she said. “I want to get a degree in business and an esthetician license, to one day open up a non-profit that helps low-income people get the skincare help they need without the use of prescription medication.”
