Feature Photo by Covenant College

Sarah Jennings’ game might look totally different, going from the front line to the back. She went from being the dominant State Champion setting kills and aces records at Tallulah Falls to a back-line player at Covenant College. However, she traded the kills for digs (which she also is the TFS all-time leader in), and assists, and just 30 matches into her collegiate career, she’s already been a huge reason for the Scots’ record win streak and first-ever national ranking (#25).

Like all college athletes, it’s not just a seamless transition from high school. Jennings has had to make adjustments to her game as well as her personal routine.

“The biggest adjustment from high school to college has definitely been the busyness of life,” says Jennings. “Volleyball has also played a big role in this transition though. Even through the tough workload and busyness with volleyball, everyone here is so supportive and willing to help in whatever way they can!”

Her legacy is firmly in place at Tallulah Falls School after a State Championship season in which the Lady Indians were ranked #1, had a record 35 wins. Jennings, the former Area Player of the Year, left as the all-time leader in kills (1,085), digs (1,025), and aces (283). Former teammate and friend Addy McCoy (’24) since has broken the aces mark, but Jennings holds the others still, as well as single-match marks in kills (28) and digs (28), along with the single-season kills record (417). All that to say, she had to change her mindset when getting to Lookout Mountain.

“Since coming to Covenant, I have a whole new outlook on the game of volleyball and what it means to be a team,” adds Jennings. “Our program really focuses on loving the team well with every touch on the ball. So I am not only just getting the ball up, but I am doing my absolute best in support for the setter. Mental toughness is also one of the biggest parts of the game, so just trying to work on that has also been fun!”

To date, Covenant is an insane 28-2, going 16-0 in the College Conference of the South. Jennings has four times been named Conference Rookie of the Week, including three straight weeks. She leads the team in digs (355), is third in assists (51), and has 49 aces and 1 kill on the season. Her team-first mentality is exactly what this program needed to have this level of success.

“We have a really great group of girls and coaching staff which has made this season what it is,” states Jennings. “We have been so successful because we all support each other so well and truly want each other to succeed on and off the court. I am so grateful to be able to contribute to such a wonderful team! My teammates have turned into some of my best friends at Covenant!”

It’s not just the volleyball that the TFS legend has enjoyed, but the people around her. While she benefits from her environment, no doubt Lookout Mountain is brighter because of what she brings to the campus as well.

“My favorite part about Covenant aside from volleyball is the community,” exclaims Jennings. “Our hall life in the dorm is so special and has been so good for this big transition to college. There are so many events and activities that have brought us together and made it easy to meet people and build community. God is truly the center of everything at Covenant and to be surrounded by a body of students and staff to share the love of God with is a blessing.”

Jennings is a 2-time BLITZ Player of the Year and a BLITZ Hall of Fame player.