2011 HALL OF FAME AWARD

Jenny has already been inducted into the University of Alberta Sports Wall of Fame and to the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. When you examine her accomplishments over the course of her volleyball career, it’s easy to see why she has deserved such recognition. 

A Sherwood Park native, Jenny played her high school volleyball at Bev Facey Composite High School and club with both the Sherwood Park and NAVC programs. She spent her summers with the Provincial Team before moving to Edmonton to pursue a Physical Education degree. 

Jenny Cartmell’s impact at the University of Alberta was felt immediately as she was named the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU), Canada West Universities Athletic Association (CWUAA), and University of Alberta Rookie of the Year in 19951996.  While she was individually recognized early on, her teams’ five consecutive conference championships would have been enough to say she had an impressive University career. However, Jenny exceeded expectations by becoming one of only a handful of players to ever win a national title in all five years of her university eligibility (1995- 2000).  

Although being described by her former teammate Christy Hansen as the “sweetest and kindest person I know,” Laurie Eisler (Pandas Head Coach) knew that she would become “a fierce competitor who was able to not only deal with adversity but take her game to another level when the team needed it the most.”  

When listed, her overall individual athletic achievements are astonishing. In both 1999 and 2000 Jenny was named: Most Valuable Player for the Pandas, University of Alberta Female Athlete of the Year, Canada West 1st Team All-Star, Canada West Volleyball MVP, CIAU Academic All-Canadian, CIAU First Team All-Canadian, and CIAU Women's Volleyball Player of the Year.  On top of all of that, she was also recognized as the Howard Mackie Award winner in 2000 (CIAU Athlete of the Year for all sports- now referred to as the BLG Award). 

However, “despite ALL the individual awards she received – (Jenny) always… gave complete credit to the team.” Christy went on to state, “Her skills and playing ability obviously speak for themselves.” However, it was her “personality and leadership both on and off the court that made all of us a better team. As a setter, I always had complete confidence that she would put the ball away. She constantly would 'wow' us with hitting and defensive abilities.” 

“Jenny grew to love the pressure that is inherent in championship volleyball and yet maintained a positive relationship with teammates, coaches, officials and opponents,” Pandas Head Coach Laurie Eisler reflected. “She truly was a joy to coach and an athlete who earned all the recognition that she has and continues to receive.”  

Prior to her University career ending, Jenny’s National team career had already begun.  She was a member of the National B team in 1996, 1997, and 1999. Her FISU team finished in fourth place in Sicily in ’97 and 9th at Mallorca Spain in ’99. Jenny was a member of the Senior National team until her retirement. She played professionally in Belgium for the Temse Bells in 2000-2001 and for the Swedish team Katrineholm that won the SM GULD Nationals the following year.  

Alberta Volleyball is extremely proud to induct Jenny into the Alberta Volleyball Hall of Fame as one of Alberta’s most outstanding athletes.