Flames News

Side Out with Claire Jacobsma

Claire Jacobsma and the Liberty volleyball team are off to a 3-0 start to the 2008 season.

Today, LibertyFlames.com continues its weekly volleyball feature, "Side Out with …" Next up is another of the Lady Flames' newcomers, freshman right-side hitter Claire Jacobsma.

A left-hander, Jacobsma is accustomed to winning. She helped her volleyball team at Midland Christian School in Midland, Texas win 32 matches last season and advance to the regional championship match. The right-side hitter was a first-team all-state honoree as both a junior and senior.

Jacobsma made a successful collegiate debut last Saturday against Maryland. She appeared in all four sets of Liberty's 3-1 victory over the Terrapins, tallying two kills, six digs, two blocks, an assist and a service ace. Jacobsma and the 3-0 Lady Flames will be back in action at George Mason's Patriot Invitational, this Friday and Saturday.

For a more personal introduction to one of the newest Lady Flames, read on …

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
My favorite Bible verse would be Isaiah 40:30-31. (Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.)

I love the message God shows us that when we fall and it seems like the worst is going to happen, as long as we hope in Him, He will be there to save us. It speaks to me more than any other verse.

What type of music do you like to listen to?
I like to listen to rock/alternative, and as a Texan, I love country.

What is your favorite play in volleyball?
Definitely shoot sets and slides.

What is your favorite sport to play (other than volleyball)?
I like to throw the discus in track.

How did you start playing volleyball?
My mom. She was an amazing volleyball player and would always play with my sister and me when we were little. I remember being four years old, playing volleyball with my mom and sister in my grandparents' backyard.

The actress who would play me in a movie is …
I've never really thought about it, but someone told me once I reminded them of Kate Winslet.

What is your nickname and how did you pick it up?
Of my many nicknames, I have two which people use the most.

"Claire Bear" is from my family. They say it's because I'm like a bear coming out of hibernation in the mornings.

"Claja" is from my volleyball teammates in high school. It's a combination of the beginning of my first and last name.

The most famous person I've met is …
Case Maranville, the bassist from Casting Pearls.

My favorite restaurant is …
Bob's Better Burger.

A couple items on my "Bucket List" include …
Finally learning how to snowboard, and touring all of Europe.

Previous Installments of Side Out with ...
Aug. 13 - Jordan Barlow
Aug. 20 - Courtney Boggs
Aug. 27 – Kelly Haseman