Palmer spiker

makes choice

By JEREMIAH BARTZ/ Sports editor

Jessie Macknicki has made a career of sending volleyballs across the net with bullet-like speed. Opponents of the Palmer Moose have been well aware of Macknicki's power for the last four seasons. Now Macknicki has the opportunity to display her talents on the next level.

The Palmer standout has decided to attend Southwestern Oregon Community College and join the Laker volleyball program next fall.

Southwestern Oregon is a two-year junior college in Coos Bay, Ore., that competes in the Northwestern Athletic Association for Community Colleges.

Macknicki, an outside hitter, said time on the court ultimately led her to choose a junior college program.

"They only have one outside hitter returning," Macknicki said. "I am hoping to have a lot of playing time."

Macknicki had also spoken with local coaches at Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Fairbanks, as well as Northeastern Community College in Colorado, Shoreline Community College in Washington and Lewis-Clark College in Idaho -- but a more immediate role on the court led her to choose Southwestern Oregon.

Despite her power and athleticsm, Macknicki said her 5-foot-6 frame will keep her out of the Division I ranks. Macknicki did seriously considered the Division II level.

Steve Reynolds, who coached Macknicki throughout her prep career, was pleased a junior college program was the choice.

"She's so much fun to watch," Reynolds said. "Jessie's a powerful hitter. I would hate to see her go somewhere and be stuck on the back row. I like the choice for that reason."

Macknicki also said knowing other people who already attend Southwestern Oregon helped her in the choice. Kenai Central High School graduate Angela Carreon will be a sophomore on the squad, and Palmer High alumni Sarah Bergeron, Toni Cox and Amy Chapman are on the Laker women's basketball team.

In addition to earning region player of the year honors after her senior year, Macknicki is a two-time All-Region III and two-time All-State award winner. She helped the Moose win the 2003 Region III title and helped lead Palmer to a third-place finish in the 2002 state tournament.

Macknicki is the third member of the Palmer volleyball squad in the last two seasons to move on to play on the college level. Emily Sakis will be a sophomore at Northeastern Community College and Brianna Johnson is a sophomore at Wartburg College in Iowa.