Women's Athlete Spotlight: Jaden Polovina is a strong Athlete
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Jaden Polovina is in her first year on the Viterbo University Women's Volleyball team, and she wants people to know that being a female athlete is more than fitting into a "delicate female stereotype".
The junior setter out of Fort Worth, Texas is looking to be a strong leader in this upcoming fall season, and she wants people to know that women's athletes have always had the power necessary to compete at this level.
"Being a female student-athlete means holding yourself to a higher standard than most while also not falling into the 'delicate' female stereotype," says Polovina. "Strength, competitiveness, and resilience are traits women have always had, even if not recognized,".
In her first season at Viterbo, Polovina showed what strength, competitiveness, and resilience means. The junior contributed 562 assists throughout the season and added 108 digs and 35 service aces. At the conclusion of the season, she was 7th in the conference in assists, and she was one of three V-Hawks that played in all 127 sets of the season.
She gains her powerful thoughts and dedication from her grandmother. "I have been inspired by my grandma, a former navy chief who is tough-as-nails, yet still holds an optimistic outlook on life," says Polovina. "She taught me to change my perspective to change my situation,".
Polovina has been true to her words in matters of change. In the fall of 2025, she transferred to Viterbo University after two years at another school. When she came to Viterbo, she had a determination that set her apart.
"I am most proud of being able to compete on a team as elite and competitive as Viterbo," says Polovina. "I chose Viterbo because Viterbo volleyball knows how to win, and I want to compete at the highest level possible,".
While at Viterbo, Polovina has been studying Business Administration, and she notes that being an athlete has helped her succeed in her academic life.
"Participating in college volleyball has taught me discipline and strengthened my mind, which helps me in school and career-related endeavors,".
Polovina hopes to inspire the next generation of female athletes this Women's History Month. She wants to continue to show young athletes what is possible.
"I hope to make an impact on the younger girls moving up in the volleyball world by setting standards to preserve the competitiveness and art of the sport of volleyball," says Polovina. "My advice would be to always have high standards for yourself because you, whether you believe it or not, are able to do everything and more,".