Sophomore outside hitter Jillian Neal has seen immense growth in on-court production compared to her 2023 season. As she starts to transition off the bench as a server to a full-time player, Neal fuels her courageousness and positive outlook to prepare her for a future leadership role.
Neal came into last season without a permanent position or idea of where she stood on the roster. It wasn't until head coach JJ Van Niel called her off the bench to serve in a game against Cal that she not only marked her first collegiate appearance but also where she got her title as a serving specialist.
She would go on to play in 20 matches last season ending with 16 total aces. This year, she leads the team with 34 aces and has taken up more space on the court as an outside hitter with 33 kills and 75 digs.
Senior outside hitter Geli Cyr considers serving one of the game's hardest skills. She compliments her younger teammate on her serving abilities, which is a rare find. Cyr said she is "a huge asset to the team."
Neal knows her responsibility on this team is bounded, but she said she doesn't see that as a weakness in her abilities. She's grateful to play with all the experienced talent available, she's learned the value of watching from the sidelines and what it means to be a great teammate.
"Jillian is one of one in my opinion," assistant coach Preslie Anderson said. "She is the most hard-working, humble and selfless teammate I've seen. I've had a bunch of different teammates as a player and coached many different kids at many different ages and there’s no one like Jillian. She is truly willing to do whatever it takes for the team, even if that means she has a limited role."
Neal first started this sport when she was younger and all she did was watch her sister play. She originally had her heart set on not playing, but her mom went against her wishes and signed her up for a clinic resulting in Neal’s change of heart. She now can’t imagine doing anything else.
After growing up playing club and becoming a 2023 USA Volleyball 18 Open National Champion, Neal found her way to Tempe in the prime of Van Niel's rebranding of the program.
"It's such a cool thing to be a part of and being part of a new legacy … It's almost one of those experiences where I have no words," Neal said. "I feel so grateful to have an opportunity to be on this team and both seasons have been full of adventure and uncertainties."
Neal said the staff and her teammates have played major roles in her broadening of the sport through observation and the culture they’ve created. During practice, even if the staff is working with the starters, she said she is still able to get better by listening and watching her teammates work.
That has paid off for her many times this season and just recently in the Sun Devils' sweep over West Virginia, where Neal ended up having a career game. She had both a career-high 14 kills and 10 digs to mark her first time reaching a double-double. She had a personal best with two blocks and added on an ace.
Neal can look back positively on this game to remind herself of her capability to come into games giving it her all and not expecting perfection each time. That not only reflects well on the team but shows a great threat to those on the opposite side of the net every time she’s on the court.
"There wasn't a point during the week where I was stressed about her being in," Cyr said. "She just goes in with no fear … It’s an amendment to her mental game I would say, she’s a steel trap up there."
While Neal gives off a tough persona during gameplay, she's a bubble of joy. Cyr said that she is someone who always enters with a smile and a good attitude. Because of that, she’s earned herself the nickname, "Jolly Jill."
It’s her kindness and beaming personality partnered with her skills that have staff and teammates believe she'll make a great leader next season.
"Jillian has elevated in her space and we can anticipate when we graduate these seniors … we're going to ask a lot and push her a lot in spring to see just how much we can get out of her, to see if she can step in and full-time fill that spot," Anderson said. "I know Jillian has it in her, the coaching staff and she knows she has it in her. It's about taking the time to solidify the on-court experience and have faith in her entire game."
For now, embracing the final moments she has with the team in this era before another one begins, is all she has in her eyes as they look to achieve the Big 12 title.
"I hope however our season ends that we fight, we have fun and we feel happy with how we did with our relationships with each other," Neal said. "Ultimately, how we are with our relationships will be more and last longer than any ring, any title or any banner."
Edited by Henry Smardo, Sophia Braccio and Madeline Schmitke.
Reach the reporter at linunez@asu.edu and follow @laurentahuka on X.
Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on X.
