Arkansas Volleyball: ‘New Hog on the Block’

Razorback freshman Jordyn Gates ready for action in 2020

arkansasrazorbacks.com Looking ahead to the 2020 season, lets take a look at some of the new faces we’ll see in Barnhill Arena, starting with a setter out of Michigan, Jordyn Gates!

“My favorite memory from high school would be Friday night football games all four years,” said Gates.

“The themes for the games were always so fun to participate in.”

As for her chosen sport, “My favorite volleyball moment is winning backto- back state championships my junior and senior year.” Gates is thrilled to be part of the Hogs’ volleyball program.

“I am most excited for the opportunity to travel to some of the best universities in the country and compete against some of the best teams, the SEC is such a competitive conference and I’m anxious to match up against them in front of a packed Barnhill Arena,” she said.

Gates said her my proudest accomplishment in high school was being named an Under Armour All-American. Those talents led to her looking for the right school, and Gates picked the Razorbacks.

“I chose The University of Arkansas because of the facilities and the coaches,” she said. “I made such great relationships with the coaches on my visit and the girls on the team made me feel so welcomed.”

While volleyball is what brought her to Fayetteville, she’s also focused on her college education.

“While at Arkansas, I plan on studying Elementary Education,” said Gates. “I chose this career path because ever since I was little I wanted to be a teacher and would always make my little brother play school with me.”

Gates said the best thing about volleyball is the friendships you make.

“No matter what level you’re playing at, I have made some of my best friends through the sport,” said Gates. “One quote I live by is, ‘Change your thoughts and you change your world,’ by Norman Vincent.”

She added, “My mom is my role model because ever since I was a little girl she pushed me to achieve my goals in sports and in life. She always made sure I kept my head on straight.

She has had the most influence on my volleyball career, when I was little I quit volleyball to play tennis, but she had me try volleyball again and I ended up falling in love with it.

She was always the one to bring me to and support me at every game and tournament.”

Gates stays busy, even when not on the volletball court.

“As a family, we love to go to Minnesota State Fair every year,” she said. “I have four other siblings, I’m the second youngest and the third to participate in college sports at the Division I level. Last summer we traveled to Jamaica for a week in August and it was the best trip I’ve ever been on.”

Some Quick Hits about Jordyn:

• Favorite Food — Steak and Sweet Potatoes • Favorite Book — Looking for Alaska by John Green

• Nicknames — Jordy, J

• Biggest Pet Peeve — People who chew their food loudly

• Current Netflix / TV Binge — How to Get Away with Murder “SO GOOD”

• Dream Vacation — Greece

• Go-to Hype Song — Lose Yourself by Eminem

• Number One Thing on Your Bucket List — See the northern lights

• What is One Thing You Would Rate 10/10 — Cake batter ice cream For more on Arkansas Razorbacks athletes, visit www.arkansasrazorbacks.c om