David Judd, Staff Writer–
When Jenna Corrao ‘23 first committed to Denison five years ago, she did not expect to be a great player, or even to play very much at all.
Now following four years of growth and unexpected success she returns to Denison volleyball to chase more success as the team’s newest assistant coach.
Corrao had not planned to continue playing volleyball after high school. However, after a great season in which she helped lead Solon High School to the Ohio final four, she decided she was not quite ready to leave the sport she loved behind.
Corrao reached out to coach Carter Cassell through a friend on the team to see if she could play for Denison. Until late January she was uncertain whether she would be playing the next season or not.
“They told me they did have a spot on the team for me, and they really took a risk on me since they weren’t really recruiting me,” said Corrao.
That risk would soon pay off, as Corrao would develop into a reliable and consistent libero for the Big Red. As a junior, she played a vital part, leading Denison to a historic undefeated season, going 8-0 in conference play and winning their first-ever NCAC championship.
She received all-NCAC honors in 2021 and 2022 while being named to the all-tournament team in both of those seasons.
In her senior year, she was named the NCAC Libero of the year, having led the NCAC in digs with over double-digit digs in all matches of the season. In the fall of 2023, Corrao was named to the 40th anniversary NCAC all-decade team.
“Coach Cassell really saw the potential in me and he really showed me the way. I think, without him, I would not have been the volleyball player that I was,” said Corrao. “He has great trust [in the team]. He’s like a calm, cool, collected coach. I work really well under that type of leadership.”
Off the court, Corrao excelled in all facets of life on the hill. In her freshman year, Corrao and teammate Carly Tenaglia ‘22 founded and grew Small Crowd, an upcycled clothing company.
Working with the Red Frame lab and a mentor from Columbus, the two teammates grew their business and social following, selling over 300 pieces nationwide.
Their business was recognized by Denison’s Women in Business Group for her entrepreneurship skills.
In the classroom she was a standout student-athlete, being named to the NCAC Academic Honor Roll three times. As an environmental studies and economics double major Corrao worked as a research assistant, studying agriculture techniques and researching flowers and foliage for Ohio’s weather conditions. In 2022, she was inducted into Denison’s Chi Alpha Sigma society.
Now returning to Denison in a new role, Corrao is eager to continue to help the team strive to chase the same aspirations she had as a player.
“Denison’s mission when I first came in was to win an NCAC championship and make it to the NCAA tournament. We checked off the first one within my four years, but I feel like I’m not done with that mission.”
Corrao is eager to continue chasing this mission, building on the relationship with Cassell that brought her so much success as a player.
“I really liked playing under Coach Cassell and I think like what he did for me as a player I think he’s gonna do for me as a coach as well,” said Corrao.
Corrao returns to a young Denison team with a great amount of potential to build upon. Coming off of a season where they finished joint fourth in the NCAC, the team hopes to progress toward the top of the conference once again.
As they have begun their spring training, Corrao is confident they are ready to take that next step in the fall. “I’m excited. I think we have a great group of girls and our team culture looks really good. And I’m also excited for the freshman class coming in. I think I have a good feeling about this year and I’m just super excited to be a part of it again,” she said.
Cassell is eager and excited for the return of one of his most impactful players.
“Jenna contributed so much to Denison volleyball as a student-athlete and now she will positively impact our program as a member of the coaching staff,” Cassell said. “She has a deep understanding of Denison, our program, and the student-athlete experience. Her passion for the game, combined with the value she places on the holistic student-athlete experience, will allow her to serve as an influential mentor to our players.”
With Corrao joining the team, Denison volleyball looks to take the next step toward its goals.