Oct. 8, 1997
Faatulu Quietly Leads Sun Devils
By Christina Hundley
ASU Student Assistant SID
In the fall of 1995, Jolynn Faatulu was a freshman Sun Devil coming off a brilliant high school volleyball career. Having just been given the starting nod at setter, nothing could go better for this up and coming star. This comfort zone was soon stripped away and as the future soon told, things needed to get better fast as far as Faatulu was concerned.
When Faatulu sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee in October of the 1995 season, she thought she would never play volleyball again and such a thought was unfathomable to this young Sun Devil.
"I thought it was over," said Faatulu. "I really thought I'd never play again. I didn't know what to expect."
The doctors told Faatulu they would be able to repair her knee which would most likely enable her to compete again. They also told her the entire rehabilitation process would take time.
"I wasn't sure how rehab was going to go. They told me I would have to redshirt my sophomore year and I wasn't happy about that. They said it was the only way I'd be able to play again," said Faatulu. "I had no muscle or any strength in my knee. Rehab was hard even though I just did all the regular stuff. I concentrated on playing, that's all I wanted to do."
The work did payoff, in time Her comeback, which was scheduled for the 1997 season, was in sight. The remainder of Faatulu's rehabilitation went according to plan and she started for the Sun Devils in the first game of the 1997 season.
When she was asked if she feels a difference in herself now as compared to when she started as a freshman Faatulu says she does feel a little different. "Mentally I am different now than my freshmen year. I was in better shape then and things were easier. I did not have to work as hard," she said. "I gained weight when I was out, I've lost most of it but I had to focus, mentally, on getting back in shape. I've never had to worry about that before."
Faatulu has consistently led the Devils in assists in 1997. and although Faatulu believes there is room for great personal improvement in her defensive skills, she is considered a leader of the Devils' defensive game.
There is one main concern Faatulu has about her career, her tendency to sustain injuries. "I just seem to keep getting hurt," said Faatulu. "I'm trying to stay healthy but it seems like every game I get hurt." Faatulu has sustained two minor ankle sprains since the beginning of the season. Neither of these injuries has inhibited her participation in practice or games.
After all she has been through, one would think Faatulu would be frustrated. Although, at times, this may be true, she never lets the frustration get in the way of her performance. As a self-described "kick-back" person, Faatulu possesses a great attitude and calm demeanor, two of her most valuable assets.
"I don't cheer a lot and I'm not emotional," said Faatulu. "The team gets on me a lot about it. They tell me to hype it up and at least look like I am having fun. 'I'm having fun,' I tell them, I really am."
Although she may not be the most exuberant of Devils, it is her calm and steady nature on the court which helps keep the team together. Faatulu does a great job of leading by example. She concentrates and gets the job done.
"I don't try to be a leader," said Faatulu. "I just seem to lead when I'm on the court and I think the team looks up to me as a leader. They have confidence in me to get them the ball. I guess leadership comes with the job as setter," said Faatulu.
Whether leadership comes with her position or naturally, Jolynn Faatulu certainly takes on the role well. Her contributions both offensively and defensively make her an invaluable asset to the ASU team. Her strength and determination have proven to be an inspiration to the Sun Devil squad. This sophomore starter is surely one to keep an eye on.