« Volleyball 2017

Jessica Lucas

School
Western Kentucky
Position
Setter
Major
Exercise Science; Pre-Physical Therapy

Classroom

As an early enrollee, Jessica Lucas has earned a spot on the WKU President’s List (3.8-4.0 GPA) six of her seven semesters on The Hill, recording a cumulative 3.55 GPA while majoring in exercise science. During her junior season, Lucas was named to the Conference USA All-Academic Team for her combined efforts in the classroom and on the court. During her time on campus, she has also involved herself in the Exercise Science Club and has landed on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Upon graduation, Lucas will attend physical therapy school and return to the court helping student-athletes in any capacity possible.

Character

Lucas is a mature, team kid. The daughter of a coach, she’s grown up around teams and understands the dynamics of putting her squad before herself. She is hardworking and selfless, growing up with a great role model in her mother as a coach, she’s never been anything but what any coach wants within their program.

Lucas understands that making the people around her better is what makes her successful. She takes responsibility for the way her teammates are performing. She brings the best perspective and attitude to the gym every day. Competing at the highest level, there never has been a day when she doesn’t want to be in the gym or isn’t excited to play. She is always eager to learn and absorbs anything that is thrown at her—something you can’t teach but that will be beneficial long after college. Lucas has been receptive to anything she’s been told at practice or in a match. She is a low-ego person and understands there’s always a way to be better. She will go down as one of the most respected kids in the program. The team talks a lot about respect because it’s not something you can make someone do; that comes from the player.

Community

Outside of the classroom and off of the court, Lucas continues to find time to be involved in the community. The Seymour, Ind., native is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and is also an active member in fundraising for the Hope 4 Harlie Foundation and Friends of Jaclyn Foundation with WKU Volleyball. Through the WKU Athletics Department, Lucas is heavily involved with the Hilltoppers with Heart campaign, to which she has donated her time and efforts for the United Way Day of Caring, annual Stuff the Bus fundraiser, Autism Awareness Day, Boys and Girls Club and National Girls and Women in Sports Day. She also has spent countless hours volunteering at volleyball camps, making appearances in local classrooms to read among many other opportunities.

Competition

A three-time AVCA All-American Honorable Mention honoree, Lucas brings an unparalleled work ethic to the gym and is always in search of ways to help her teammates shine. She is the current two-time reigning C-USA Setter of the Year and owns a league-best 14 career Setter of the Week honors. Additionally, the three-time first-team All-Conference selection has the WKU career assists record within reach, needing 732 assists to tie it (9/17/17). Lucas has averaged an 11.15 assists per set rate on her career but finds ways to contribute herself as well. The offensive facilitator owns 555 kills, a .340 attack rate, 69 service aces, 1032 digs and 251 total blocks on her stellar career and is the only active player in the country with numbers of the sort. Lucas owns a career 105-15 record as a Lady Topper, playing an integral role in the program’s three-straight NCAA Tournament appearances. She has also seen WKU to a 44-2 record in C-USA action while never losing a league match at home.

In addition to her multiple AVCA recognitions, Lucas also was honored by PrepVolleyball.com as an All-American performer in 2016. Lucas has achieved numerous notable feats, including the rare 20/20 double-double in a match, becoming the first Lady Topper to do so in 15 years. The senior has racked up 40 double-double performances on her career. She has earned invitations to the U.S. National Team Tryouts at the OTC the past three years.