The future's sunny for Salem
front-row force Sommerville

Aug. 22, 2010, 3:15 p.m.

  Since picking up a volleyball for the first time in elementary school, Jillian Sommerville's talent in the sport has sky-rocketed.

  A four-year varsity player, Salem's senior captain has the talent to match her 6-foot height.

  Sommerville took a few minutes after Friday's practice to answer a few questions from PlymouthCantonSports.com's Ed Wright.

  ED WRIGHT: When did you start playing volleyball?

  JILLIAN SOMMERVILLE: I started playing when I was in fourth grade at Our Lady of Good Counsel.

  EW: Did you pick it up right away?

  JS: No, definitely not (smiling). It took a while.

  EW: What do you like about the sport?

  JS: I love how rewarding it is, especially when you get a successful kill or a block. There's no other feeling like it.

  EW: What's the best part of your game?

  JS: I'd say hitting and blocking.

  EW: What do you like about this year's team?

  JS: We have a really large group of girls this year and a lot of the girls can play a lot of different positions, so we're really versatile. If someone's not having their best game, coach can put someone else in and there won't be a drop-off.

  EW: What part of your game has improved the most since your freshman season?

  JS: My serving has gotten a lot more consistent.

  EW: Which team do you get fired up to play the most?

  JS: Canton, biggest that's our biggest rival. Other than Canton, I'd say Novi because they're our biggest rival in our division. Last year we played them five times and we didn't beat them once, but we've been working hard to change that.

  EW: How are you doing academically?

  JS: I have a 3.94 GPA.

  EW: What's your favorite subject?

  JS: I like science a lot.

  EW: What type of degree do you think you'll pursue in college?

  JS: I'm deciding between the medical field and teaching field.

  EW: Would you like to play volleyball in college?

  JS: Yes. I have some Division 3 schools looking at me.

  EW: What's it mean to you to be a captain?

  JS: It's an honor, especially since this is my last year at Salem. I'm looking forward to leading the team along with the other captains.