Naperville Central Alumnus Jenna Wrobel, former All-American and member of the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team, was inducted into Central’s Athletic Hall of Fame at the induction ceremony on Jan. 23.

Wrobel, now living in California, returned to Central for the ceremony.

“It’s surreal [to be back],” Wrobel said. “The school has changed so much, but you still feel the sense of home when you walk through. When you see all the lockers and pictures, you can still tell the camaraderie still exists.”

Six-foot tall Wrobel played volleyball, basketball and track in high school but focused only on volleyball during junior and senior year.

“Competing with my fellow teammates [was the highlight of playing sports at Central].” Wrobel said. “I remember going to summer camps and basketball camps and listening to Metallica with my team before any game.”

Outside of sports at Central, Wrobel loved taking ceramic, psychology and cooking classes. She also has fond memories of the friends and the people she met during her four years.

After graduating in 1995, Wrobel continued volleyball at Michigan State University (MSU), leading the Spartans to the 1995 Final Four, and was inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame in 2013. Wrobel also holds eight all-time MSU volleyball records.

In 1999-2000, Wrobel played on the National Volleyball Team before returning to Naperville and playing for a United States Professional Volleyball League team.

“After [USPV], I moved out to California and played a little on the beach,” Wrobel said. “Then I decided to give up my volleyball career and become a teacher.”

Wrobel is now married with a five-year old daughter and lives in southern California. She spends her days as a sixth grade teacher.

CORRECTION: This article has been corrected from its original text. A quote that was incorrectly attributed to Jenna Wrobel was removed.