Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy Alumna to Play Professional Volleyball in France
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is known for producing amazing athletes—and Jenna Orlandini ’09 is no exception. Orlandini recently signed a contract to play professional volleyball with the Vannes Volleyball Club of Vannes, France making her the first Tolog to sign a professional volleyball contract.
As a student at FSHA, Orlandini played volleyball for all four years, winning many awards for her athleticism. In 2008, Orlandini won First Team in the All-Mission League. Orlandini was also selected for the All-Area Team in Pasadena Star News. Stephanie Contreras, FSHA’s Athletic Director, was a big part of Orlandini’s cheering section. “She was an amazing libero,” said Contreras. “She was always about her team first and herself second. She is one very humble young lady.”
Volleyball was a natural fit for Orlandini; after all, the sport was a family affair. While at FSHA, Orlandini ‘09 played alongside her older sister, Samantha Orlandini ’08, as well as an older cousin. Serving as coach was Orlandini’s mother, Shelli Orlandini, a remarkable volleyball player in her own right. “It was weird at first [having your mom as a coach], but then you learn that she is a coach and she isn’t your parent when she’s coaching,” she explained. “She was tougher on me than anyone else.”
After graduating from FSHA, Orlandini went on to play at the University of Washington. While there, Orlandini played libero and took the team to the NCAA Final Four in 2013 and captured the PAC-12 title. She also received the 2014 Female Top Dawag Award, the highest award given to a female athlete at the University of Washington. This past December Orlandini graduated from the University of Washington with a double bachelor’s degree in communication and sociology.
Orlandini first attracted the Vannes coaches through a highlight reel and videos of previous games that she compiled after her classes concluded. The entire process took a month and for a time Orlandini and her family had to keep the big news a secret. “They were so excited and just wanted to tell everybody. So it’s great to be able to share the news,” she said.
Orlandini doesn’t leave until mid-to late August and she’s looking forward to arriving in France. “I’m really excited for the level of competition,” Orlandini admits. “The team that I’m joining is in the premiere league in France, so it’s exciting to compete at such a high level.” However, all this change naturally comes with a bit of nerves. “I’m most nervous about the language barrier because as a libero you talk to your teammates constantly. You’re directing the traffic,” she explained. “If you can’t communicate, it makes it really hard [to play].” Orlandini has started learning French in preparation.
Even though Orlandini will be many miles away next year, she has a bunch of fans that will be watching her from La Canada. “She is a very hard working volleyball player that does not take anything for granted,” said Contreras. “I’m so very proud of Jenna and all that she has accomplished. Now she’ll be able to show the rest of the world how good she really is.”
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, 440 Saint Katherine Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, (626) 685-8500 or visit www.fsha.org.
