By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Kendall Jackson set two goals for Natick High’s volleyball team at the start of the season — qualify for the playoffs and focus on winning a state championship.

The Redhawks, whose record was 10-3 at Local Town Pages deadline, should be a high seed when the pairings for the Division 1 tourney are announced. Then, Jackson and the Natick squad can focus on winning the state title for the second time in coach Peter Suxho’s tenure at the helm.

 

A senior captain, the 18-year-old Jackson, who excelled last year as an outside hitter. is optimistic that a state championship is a realistic objective.

“We’re a young team but all the players are talented and skilled,’’ said Jackson, who was a two-time all-star as a junior. “We’ve got depth, great potential and we’re physically ready.’’

Jackson, however, is acutely aware that the road to a state crown isn’t easy and some good fortune is needed along the way. “We’ll have to stay injury-free,’’ he emphasized. “And, when we’re matched against a strong opponent, we may need a lucky bounce. Hopefully, our talent will be the key.’’

An instinctive hitter, the 6-foot-3, 160-pound Jackson relies on a high volleyball IQ at the net. Last year, he amassed 180 kills, registered 24 aces and had 11 blocks. “I like to get good placements,’’ he said. “My power has continued to improve.’’

That power has been very significant this season — at Local Town Pages deadline he had 199 kills and 28 serving aces in 13 matches.

Suxho, who also won two state titles at Millis High, is bullish on Jackson’s ability and approach.

“Kendall is an all-around player who leads by example,’’ Suxho noted. “He’s mentally tough, jumps high, gets kills, plays solid defense and serves well. He’s helped us to recruit players and he’s very supportive of our younger kids.’’

Jackson’s passion for playing outside hitter is fueled by the variety of tasks that must be achieved at that slot.

“You have to play strong defense,’’ he said. “It’s important to hit hard, jump high and be timely on blocks. It’s also enjoyable because your teammates rely on you to get kills and blocks.’’

Three players who Jackson admires and relies are on Natick’s other three captains — seniors Luke Rossi (middle hitter) and Zach Kwan (libero) and sophomore Harrison Landry (setter).

“They’re quality leaders and players,’’ Jackson said. “They enjoy volleyball, they’re solid competitors and they’re highly skilled.’’

Jackson also has lots of respect for his coach, calling Suxho “a terrific strategist.’’

“Coach Suxho is extremely knowledgeable about the sport,’’ Jackson said. “He’s knows the x’s and o’s of the sport and he also knows how to plan for our opponents. He’s been very motivating for me. He’s very effective on instructing me on the adjustments I need to make and how to focus on the task at hand.’’

Jackson’s best game was last year in a tough battle against Brookline. His effort was strong and his play at the net was solid but Natick couldn’t survive, losing in five sets. “I blocked well and got some key kills that helped us build some momentum,’’ he recalled. “Although we lost, all of the players gave 100 percent and stayed committed against one of our prime rivals.’’

When it comes to personal goals, Jackson doesn’t point to adding to his kills and block. It’s more about building team spirit and team chemistry. “I’m honored to have been chosen a captain and I’ve strived to be a quality leader who’s supportive and encouraging,’’ he offered. “I also want to keep learning so I can improve my game.’’

Improvement for Jackson has been on an upward swing ever since he started playing volleyball (at age 14). He played on the jayvees as a freshman but unfortunately his sophomore season was wiped out because the MIAA canceled the 2020 spring sports season because of covid-19. As a junior, he was selected to a pair of all-star teams — the Boston Globe and the Metrowest Daily News.

Jackson is a top-notch competitor in academics, too. He’s a National Honor Society student who has a 3.40 GPA. The Natick native hopes to keep playing volleyball in college, even if it’s at the club level at the University of New Hampshire.

Calling his parents (Lyman and Katherine) role models for their support and encouragement, Jackson focused on soccer long before he began excelling in volleyball. He started playing soccer at the youth level at age five and was a member of Natick’s freshman and jayvee squads before competing for the varsity last fall on defense.

Relying on an athletic philosophy that includes winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun, Jackson has mixed emotions about his final season wearing Natick’s colors.

“I’m definitely excited to see how the playoffs unfold,’’ he said. “My sports career at Natick is coming to an end but I’m glad I got to compete. I have lots of fond memories and I’m optimistic about going to college and continuing to play volleyball.’’

Although Jackson had a prolific season last year, he and his teammates didn’t get the playoff result they wanted. The Redhawks went 10-4 in the regular season, posted a 2-1 record in the Bay State League tourney, then bowed out in the first round of the state tourney, losing to Lincoln-Sudbry.

“Losing in the first round was frustrating and disappointing,’’ he said. “We were all surprised to be eliminated early. We felt we should have advanced deeper.’’

Kendall Jackson and his teammates will be a bit more cognizant this time about what’s needed to produce a deep tourney run.

A state championship will be a neat going-away present for a competitor who displayed plenty of desire and dedication.