HUBBARD, OH – Senior standout Jillian Palumbo embodies the spirit of dedication and resilience, straddling multiple sports while excelling academically at Hubbard High School. Known for her tenacity on both the volleyball and basketball courts, Jillian offers a snapshot into her final year as an Eagle and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Starting with her aspirations, Jillian revealed her disappointment from her final volleyball season served as a catalyst for a stronger basketball season. “I wanted to make sure I had a good final season,” she said. Determined to give her all, her leadership has been pivotal to the team’s strong 3-0 start. Jillian’s leadership isn’t just confined to game time; it extends to mentoring younger teammates, following the example of past seniors like Grace Narcom, Mary Frangos, and others. “I think letting everyone know where they need to be on the court and explaining to them that it’s okay to make mistakes is important,” she shared, reflecting on her journey from a nervous freshman to a seasoned senior leader.

Balancing volleyball, basketball, and eventually softball, Jillian acknowledges the challenges of rigorous schedules. Transitioning swiftly from volleyball to basketball without a break, she admits, “I’ve been told to give my body a break, but I immediately jump to the next sport to not miss any opportunity.” Academically, Jillian has navigated her senior year with relative ease, thanks to a lighter course load. “Everything else, I kind of went easy this year,” she stated, allowing more focus on her athletic pursuits while still maintaining strong grades.

Looking ahead, Jillian eyes Penn State Shenango, where she hopes to pursue volleyball and possibly basketball, with future ambitions to become a pharmacist. Reflecting on her journey as a Hubbard Eagle, Jillian expressed pride in representing her school across all sports seasons. “I’m proud to show our school that people can be three-sport athletes and be determined to do better.” As the season progresses, Jillian remains determined to lead her basketball team through a memorable final season before transitioning to spring sports. With her eyes set on collegiate athletics, Jillian’s story continues to inspire and set a high standard for future Hubbard Eagles.

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