Fifth-year senior Ryann Jaqua is in her final season with the Toledo Volleyball program. After beginning her career as an outside hitter, she transitioned to defensive specialist/libero prior to her sophomore year and has been a staple in the back row ever since. Following Toledo's five-set win over Eastern Michigan on Thursday, Sept. 21, Jaqua possesses 1,924 career digs and is averaging 4.19 digs/set in her collegiate career, both of which rank second all-time in school history behind former Rocket standout and current assistant coach Maurissa Leonard. Her 1,924 career digs are eighth-most among active Division I players and more than any other current MAC volleyball player.
 
A Kalamazoo, Mich. native, Jaqua is a three-time Academic All-MAC honoree and graduated with her degree in marketing this past spring.
 
You're a fifth-year senior and the longest tenured player on the team. Have you embraced a leadership role with your teammates?
"Definitely. I have plenty of experience under my belt, which is exciting. We've had some hard practices this year, but I think we're playing well together which is good to see. With six freshmen on the team it does make me feel old, though."
 
Do they make any jokes about you being one of the oldest players on the team?
"Yeah, they call me 'Grandma'. I don't always dive like I used to and I'm one of the older players on the team. I feel like I'm 100 years old sometimes."
 
Some student-athletes have used their extra year of eligibility from COVID, and some haven't. You decided to use yours. Was there ever a question in your mind about using your extra year?
"Not at all. I knew right away. I decided pretty early on that I would do whatever it took to come back and play another season."
 
You're within striking distance of the school record for career digs. What would it mean to you to break that record?
"It would be very exciting, even though I'm not a big stats person. I see the numbers, and I know I'm behind Maurissa. That to me is the most exciting. She left a great legacy on Toledo Volleyball, and following in her footsteps is really cool."
 
What's it like having Maurissa on the sidelines coaching you every match?
"She's the best, because she wants me to break her record. I don't think a lot of people would say that if they were in her position, which says a lot about her."
 
You come from a volleyball family and your mom used to coach, is that right?
"She started coaching at Western Michigan and moved to Portage Central, my high school, where she coached for 20 years. She coached me and all of my sisters, but she never showed any favoritism towards us. Her number one rule was I don't want anyone to think that you're on the team just because you're my daughter. I've been kicked out of practice by her before."
 
What has Toledo Volleyball and the University meant to you?
"This is my favorite place in the world, I love Toledo so much. My teammates are what make this place feel like home. Playing volleyball here has been an amazing experience, and I would tell anyone to come to the University of Toledo. I'll always have good things to say about this program and University."