Ottawa University home to OHS stars

Ottawa High School seniors Kristen Hendrickson and Katie Jensen have grown up around Ottawa University.

Hendrickson played in the summer basketball leagues at OU since middle school. Jensen literally grew up in Wilson Field House.

Her older sisters, Kelly and Kaci, played basketball and volleyball for the Lady Braves. It was a natural fit for both athletes to put OU at the top of their list for college.

Both signed to play volleyball Friday in the OHS library. Hendrickson will also play basketball for the Lady Braves.

OU women’s basketball coach Bruce Tate said it was nice to see Hendrickson mature through the years and establish a relationship with her and her family.

“I did not take it for granted,” Tate said. “I came and watched five or six games. She is a great athlete. She is very competitive. That is what I like about her.”

Hendrickson was a four-year varsity standout in both sports for the Cyclones. Her competitive drive was evident, especially in the big moments.

She did not want to give up either sport and made her decision to attend OU for basketball prior to new volleyball coach Tom Symons even being hired this spring.

She met him and then he watched both of the Cyclones play club volleyball, coached by Kaci Evans.

Symons said both players have what it takes to be a major factor in his program.

The coach said Hendrickson displayed her athleticsm to him in the tournaments he saw.

“She will keep getting better,” Symons said. “Katie has all-around skills.”

For Jensen, the decision to attend OU was not that hard, but it made it much easier once she met Symons.

“He is very open,” Jensen said. “OU is a good school. I have played in open gyms with the team [for a couple of years]. I grew up there.”

Symons expects both to start out as hitters in his program.

Tate said Hendrickson will play a shooting guard spot on his team.

“Her ability to see the open floor and get to the basket is good in our system,” Tate said.

Both athletes expect to work on different aspects of their games.

Jensen wants to increase her vertical leap and become adjusted to the quicker pace of the college game.

“It is a big jump from high school to college,” Jensen said.

Hendrickson will be busy with both sports. She wants to play with both teams and get to know her new teammates better.

One who is not new is Jensen.

“I have played with her for so long,” Hendrickson said.

Greg Mast can be reached at sports@ottawaherald.com Comment on this story at ottawaherald.com.