Feature Article of the Week – Star on the Rise – HV’s Volleyball Jake Pollick

Rising Star: Jacob Pollick’s Relentless Drive Sets Him Apart on the Volleyball Court

For Hopewell’s Jacob Pollick, success isn’t a destination—it’s a daily grind. From the moment he picked up a volleyball in ninth grade, Pollick has chased greatness with an unmatched intensity. Now a standout outside hitter and emerging leader on and off the court, his journey is a testament to hard work, humility, and heart.

Hopewell Sports Nation discussed Jacob’s Volleyball career with his head coach Rob Hall. Rob is in his fifth year as Hopewell’s Head Volleyball Coach. “I have actually been coaching Jake for a while now as I used to be the Jr High basketball coach at Hopewell and coached him in both 7th & 8th grade.  I knew then I had to have him on my volleyball team, telling my assistant coaches he could be a star for us one day if I could convince him to play.  So, after some convincing he came out for the team as a freshman and the rest is history”

“He started middle for us as a freshman, but upped his game last year as a Sophomore and earned 1st team All Section (an award voted on by opposing coaches) This year moved him to OH with more passing responsibilities and he has excelled for us.  I expect he will garner more individual accolades this year ” “Jake is a great kid and player.  I’m very proud of him, he works hard and deserves all the recognition.  The exciting thing for me and Hopewell fans is he still has one more season left!”

Pollick agrees with his coach that his entry into volleyball was almost accidental and took some convincing. “I first got into volleyball by a past teammate recruiting me to play,” he recalls. But what started as a casual introduction quickly became a passion. After just one season, his family could already see the transformation. He was hooked—and determined to become the best. “He set up nets in the backyard and trained in all weather, every single day,” his parents say. “Jake’s drive and perseverance are endless.”

That dedication paid off. In just a few short years, Pollick has become one of Western Pennsylvania’s top high school volleyball players. He’s played for elite club programs like A-10 and BVP, competed at AAU Nationals in Orlando, earned First Team Section All-Star honors, and was recently named 2A WPIAL Player of the Week. He’s even drawn attention from college coaches—for both volleyball and football.

But Pollick isn’t just focused on stats or headlines. His mindset is what sets him apart.

“The most important skill in volleyball?” he says. “Having a next-point mentality.”

Whether he’s chasing down a tough dig or lifting his team’s spirits during a tough set, Pollick approaches every moment with poise and positivity. “I always take deep breaths and focus on what I can do to help my team,” he explains.

Teamwork is at the core of his game. “If you aren’t playing as a team, you’re not going to win. We always talk after plays to figure out what we can do better. That’s essential for any great team.”

His teammates clearly agree. Pollick describes his squad as having “super good chemistry” and says they’re more like best friends than just teammates. That bond shows on the court—and in the locker room. “Evan’s definitely the funniest,” he laughs. “There’s never a time when someone’s super upset. We pick each other up.”

While volleyball is his focus, Pollick also shines in the classroom, consistently earning high honors. Balancing academics, sports, and a social life is no small task, but he’s developed a system. “I use school time for school, and after that I’m fully focused on the game or practice,” he says. “Evenings and weekends, I can usually find time to hang with friends.”

Despite his success, Pollick remains humble and coachable. His biggest role models? His coaches. “They help me become the best player I can be.”

Pollick’s eyes are now on the future. He hopes to play volleyball at the collegiate level, and this summer he plans to visit a few schools. “That’s what I strive for every practice and game,” he says. “To better myself for colleges to see.”

But regardless of where his path leads, Pollick is clear on the sport’s lasting impact. “Volleyball has taught me that there’s no ‘I’ in team,” he says. “Everyone needs to play their part and do the best they can at their job.”

He’s also never lost his sense of fun. Whether it’s listening to the same four songs before every game (“All of Me” by 21 Savage tops the list), pulling off wild digs, or reliving hilarious moments—like the time a teammate got hit in the head and the ball miraculously went over the net for the point—Pollick embraces the joy of the game.

When asked if he’d rather never play volleyball again or always lose to his biggest rival, he doesn’t hesitate. “I’d lose to my rival. I couldn’t imagine not playing this sport.”

This year the Hopewell Vikings Boys Volleyball Team is 6-5 (3-2 in section). Following a Reverse sweep victory over Montour Tuesday (24-26, 21-25, 25-19, 25-18, 18-16). Its going to be an exciting second half of the Boys Volleyball Season, stay tuned to HSN for all the Coverage!