Yorktown’s Jade York passes against Blackford during their sectional game at Delta High School Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015.
YORKTOWN — It didn’t take long for Stephanie Bloom to realize that her libero, Jade York, is a perfectionist. The Yorktown coach had York in honors geometry class three years ago.
As top-ranked Yorktown (38-1) prepares to battle No. 2 Providence (36-3) in the Class 3A state championship Saturday afternoon at Ball State’s Worthen Arena, the senior that Bloom calls “a fighter” who leads one of the state’s top defenses.
York has tallied a team-high 555 digs for a team which prides itself on its ball control – a necessity with no player taller than 5-foot-8. And it’s actually those defensive practices which give York the most trouble.
Last season, she developed a slipped disk in her back and was diagnosed with scoliosis, which is a lateral curvature of the spine. She missed the first few weeks of last season, and she still battles soreness today. The high-intensity matches — she cited the five-set thriller over Delta in the sectional semifinals — are particularly tough.
“It’s just something I had to go through,” York said, “but it made me stronger.”
But it’s the type of toughness Yorktown has come to expect from its defensive stalwart, who is one of three players to play in all 110 sets this season. She’s also become known for expecting the best out of herself — and her teammates.
“She’s not afraid of stepping on toes when she needs to. I think sometimes in girls’ sports, that can be an issue,” Bloom said. “It’s not about friendship on the court, it’s about being a teammate. The value of a teammate is sometimes they need to light a fire, and she’s willing to do that. That leadership is crucial for us.”
Yorktown defeated Delta at Delta High School Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015.
With a 3.87 GPA, York has placed a high priority on academics. From an early age, she said she’s learned to take responsibility for her actions.
“I’ve never had to have my mom tell me to do my homework, that’s just something I’ve brought on myself, to get good grades,” said York, who is still considering playing in college — likely at Kent State, Ohio or George Mason. “My parents have never checked my grades once, I don’t think. For myself, I just keep up with everything.”
Honing in and focusing has never been her problem. The issue that sometimes comes up, Bloom said, is she tries to be too perfect. It’s an inner conflict that can help or hurt York.
“I think a little bit of both,” York said. “When I’m trying to perfect a pass or something, something will happen and it’s not perfect, but it’s still up, I’ll clap my hands real loud. Like Jade, it’s OK, it’s still in play. But I feel like when I hold myself to high standards, I feel like it elevates my play. I’d rather expect more out of myself than less.”
But ultimately, it’s served her — and the Tigers — well.
“To me,” Bloom said, “I think (being a perfectionist) and her competitiveness, you put those two things together and you have a winner.”
Contact sports features writer Ryan O’Gara at (765) 213-5829. Follow him on Twitter @RyanOGaraTSP.
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