October 5, 2023

Shaneyfelt named 2023 September Unsung Leader presented by Golden Oak Sedation Dental & Implant Center

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It can be a daunting task to step into a starter’s role as a true freshman. That ask can only be magnified when the job is to also replace the reigning Ohio Valley Conference Setter of the Year and Freshman of the Year.

By TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It can be a daunting task to step into a starter's role as a true freshman. That ask can only be magnified when the job is to also replace the reigning Ohio Valley Conference Setter of the Year and Freshman of the Year.

For the Golden Eagle freshman libero Jillian Shaneyfelt, it was just simply the next task set in front of her, one to help the team. As the Tech volleyball team embarked on its 2023 OVC campaign, the injury bug reared its ugly head, forcing Shaneyfelt into the role of emergency setter, a position that fortunately, she played in high school.

"Jill had to step in and set when [sophomore setter] Jordan [Karlen] was injured and was instantly a new level of leader within that role," Tech head coach Jeannette Phillips said. "She kept her composure and was recognized as Freshman of the Week for the OVC because of her performance."

Shaneyfelt put forth a heroic showing considering all the factors, dropping a whopping 51 assists on the table for the purple and gold in the team's 3-2 loss to the defending OVC Tournament champions, Tennessee State. Adding 16 digs to the mix, she notched her first career double-double as well.

The rookie followed it up with another masterful production, distributing 45 helpers in another five-set thriller. Shaneyfelt led the Golden Eagles with 15 digs in the match, accounting for another double-double and bringing her weekend averages to 9.60 assists and 3.10 digs per set. She was properly honored for her week, capturing her first OVC Freshman of the Week accolade.

"Jill has a great head on her shoulders and always has the well-being of the team at the forefront of her mind," Tech head coach Jeannette Phillips said. "She has gone back and forth between positions on our roster simply because it was the best for our team, and whatever she does, she excels. Not only is she willing to step in however needed, but she sets high expectations for herself at all times. She also voices her wonderful opinion in front of the team when appropriate, which is hard to do as a freshman."

Her ability to get the job done put her team in great positions to compete in the two matches with Tennessee State. It also proved the Golden Eagles have a valuable backup plan should Karlen go down again during the season.

"Jill is the ultimate team player," Phillips added. "She genuinely wants the best for all of her teammates and she is not afraid to be authentic and candid on the journey to achieving the high goals she has for herself. We have seen her evolve as a player within our team, but more impressively, we have seen her evolve as a leader. She leads by example and is starting to lead more vocally, which is very welcomed from someone who plays to her fullest capabilities each time she steps onto the court. She is still so young in what she will do to influence the future of this team and I am excited to see all that she will achieve."

It is for these qualities and dedication that Shaneyfelt is the recipient of the 2023 September Unsung Leader Award presented by Golden Oak Sedation Dental & Implant Center.

The Unsung Leader Award is selected from student-athletes, who have been nominated by their coaching staff, for exemplifying outstanding leadership qualities during a given month. The leadership can be shown on the field, in the weight room, at practice, in the classroom, in study hall, on campus, in the community, or for a student club or organization.

The award honors a varsity student-athlete who has made a positive impact on their team and the Tennessee Tech community as a whole, through his or her dedication to demonstrating leadership traits, such as: