Our Redeemer’s Star Roedocker Signs with University of Jamestown Volleyball
A long-held dream became reality on Friday, November 13, as Our Redeemer’s senior Brookylnn Roedocker signed her national letter of intent to play volleyball at the University of Jamestown, surrounded by her family at Our Redeemer’s Christian School.
Roedocker’s connection to the University of Jamestown runs deep, having attended the Jimmies’ volleyball camp annually since the seventh grade to hone her skills and pursue her collegiate aspirations. Little did she know then that Harold Newman Arena would ultimately be the place where those dreams materialized.
“It’s really exciting,” Roedocker stated. “It’s always been my dream and for it to be Jamestown is a dream come true for sure.”
Initial contact between Roedocker and the Jamestown coaching staff began in December, though she had also been in communication with Hamline University and Crown College, both located in Minnesota. Despite a 170-mile distance, Our Redeemer’s and Jamestown share a strong connection, with the Knights consistently participating in the Jimmie Camp each summer. This shared experience extends to coaching philosophies, deeply rooted in the Jamestown volleyball program under the leadership of head coach Jon Hegerle and assistant coach Jake Adolphson-Fulsom.
“The University of Jamestown – speaking specifically of coach Hegerle and coach Fulsom – they have been some of the greatest mentors for me in the early years of starting as a volleyball coach,” explained Our Redeemer’s coach Kara Nunziato. “We’ve consistently gone to their summer programming year after year, so we know their program and we know what their philosophy is. We’ve tried to bring a lot of what they do into our gym and they have some of the best volleyball in our state.”
The alignment between the two programs was a significant factor in Roedocker’s decision. “The Our Redeemer’s program and their program have always been really connected with each other by going to their camps and our coaches see the game the same way,” she said. “It’s awesome to go from a program at Our Redeemer’s that I love and knowing that I’ll be going to a program that our high school coaches know.”
Roedocker will continue a family tradition at Jamestown, as her father, Travis, previously competed in both baseball and football for the Jimmies. He expressed his excitement upon learning of Jamestown’s interest in his daughter’s volleyball talent.
Roedocker concluded her high school career with a standout senior season, leading the team with 435 kills and ranking second in both aces (63) and solo blocks (43). Her performance at the state tournament was particularly impressive, recording 47 kills, five aces, and four blocks as the Knights finished fourth. This earned her recognition on the all-state tournament team, as well as second-team all-state, all-region, and all-district honors.
“If you look at her stats, you can just see how much time and work she put into her game to be the player she was during her senior year,” Nunziato noted. “She has that grit and that work ethic that just is really great and an asset to any program. She’s someone that has always set the bar high for herself and put in a lot of time on and off the court and in and out of season to play at the level that would be beneficial for her teammates.”
Throughout her career, Roedocker amassed impressive statistics, including 849 kills, 220 digs, 64 aces, 56 solo blocks, and 89 block assists. The Knights achieved a record of 92-32-3 during her three seasons on the varsity team, advancing to the state tournament twice, with a third-place finish in 2023.
Despite her excitement for the future, Roedocker expressed that she will miss the energetic atmosphere of playing at The Castle in front of her home crowd. “Our home games are always a lot of fun with all our classmates that come and families and everyone involved with the school,” she said. “The energy is always so fun.”
Roedocker’s passion for volleyball began at a young age, first bumping a volleyball at just four years old. While she also participated in soccer and basketball, volleyball ultimately captured her interest. “I like the culture,” Roedocker explained. “It’s a team sport where everyone has to be involved both physically and emotionally. It’s fun getting to go out with all of your friends and compete together. It’s different from any other sport I’ve played.”
Roedocker will be joining a program led by a highly successful coach, Jon Hegerle, who is entering his 18th season with a career record exceeding 400 wins. She is one of four North Dakota recruits joining the Jimmies, alongside Sophie Ketterling of Napoleon and Caroline Puetz of Wyndmere-Lidgerwood.
The Jimmies’ recent transition to full-time membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference will provide Roedocker with the opportunity to reunite with former teammate Maya Vibeto, who now plays for Minot State.
Nunziato anticipates a significant void with Roedocker’s departure, praising her quiet leadership and dedication. “While she is someone who is quiet from a demeanor standpoint, she adds a lot of life to the team, especially behind the scenes,” Nunziato said. “She does fun things for her teammates. She loves to host get-togethers. She has a listening ear. She is a supportive player. She’s really witty and funny and she is going to absolutely love and cherish her time with a new team.”
Roedocker’s high school career is not yet complete, as she is slated to participate in the North Dakota High School Coaches Association and Optimist Volleyball All-Star series in June, showcasing the state’s top senior athletes.
