Jenna Dubosky was all over the court, and she led Panther Valley all over the map in 2018.

Whether it was at the net or on the back line, the junior paved the way for the Panthers to earn a Schuylkill League title.

Dubosky was also a key component of PV’s third straight District 11 volleyball championship, which led to a state playoff berth.

Dubosky racked up 94 aces, 256 kills and 410 assists this year en route to earning the Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Volleyball Player of the Year award.

“She sets from the back line and hits from the front,” said Panther Valley head coach Nancy Filer. “She’s usually in the action. She touches it almost every play. She doesn’t have very many down days, which is awesome. She leads by example and is the one to go to on the court.”

As she grew up, Dubosky played many different positions. While it may have been challenging at times, the different experiences aided in her development.

“My biggest strength as a player is that I am an all-around player,” Dubosky said. “Ever since I was young, my position on the court has constantly been changing. During middle school I was a setter, and when I got to high school I played an outside hitter along with playing back line. My sophomore year, I then was switched to being a setter and a hitter. It was hard to keep switching my position, but in the end it turned me into a well-rounded player.”

The junior has been playing volleyball for a long time, and she hasn’t been alone on her journey.

“I have been playing volleyball since fourth grade,” she said. “I started off playing CYO volleyball for my school, and joined a 12-U club team in the fourth grade. I instantly fell in love with the game.

“Volleyball is a natural given talent that runs in my family. My mom is the reason I’m the player I am, as she taught me a lot about the game. And my sister, ever since we were little, we have been passing a volleyball back and forth together. We’re always competing to be the better sister, and I love watching how far we grow together.”

Two things are clear when it comes to Dubosky: She wants the ball, and she wants to win.

“I love having the ball in my hands,” she said. “Whenever it’s a close game, I’m always wanting the ball because I know in those moments, that I can come through. I love when the game is intense and I get a big kill. It really just boosts my confidence as a player.”

Dubosky’s superior skill set didn’t come without hard work. There are certain aspects that she has significantly improved upon since joining Filer as a freshman.

“As a freshman, I had a lot of pressure on me being the youngest on the court,” Dubosky said. “I really struggled with being consistent on my hits and serves. The past two years, I tried to better myself as not only a player, but a leader on the court.”

The Schuylkill League title that Dubosky helped bring home to Lansford was Panther Valley’s first in decades.

“Winning the league championship was definitely a proud moment for me,” she said. “I also accomplished some milestones by making it into the 500-club, but nothing made me more happy than bringing home that trophy; 35 years was too long. It was the best moment we ever celebrated as a team.”

Dubosky and her great supporting cast charged all the way to the PIAA state quarterfinals.

“The team was unique because when we went to the postseason, they wanted to go all the way,” said Filer. “There was a total different mindset with these girls, and they don’t mind being in the gym. I’ve never seen them not wanting to be there. They’re lucky, because there is enough of them there that have that love for the game.”

The top-seeded Panthers won both of their district matches by 3-0 scores, taking down Pine Grove in the semifinal and Jim Thorpe in the title match. After a 3-0 win in the first round of the state playoffs, their run came to an end with a loss to District 3 champ Delone Catholic.

Although there were many positive takeaways from the experience, Dubosky made it clear that this team isn’t done.

In fact, it’s ready for more.

“Playing in the state quarters was a huge accomplishment, and even though we lost, it’s something to be proud of,” Dubosky said. “For next year, I want to go just as far, or even farther. A state championship is a lot to ask for, but anything is possible if as a team we try to get better.”

Dubosky plans to do everything she can to reach those goals.

“For myself, I want to be my best self next year,” said Dubosky, who has career totals of 201 aces, 734 assists and 575 kills. “I only get to put that jersey on one more time, and I expect to play to the best of my ability.”