Jane Collymore Interview: National Team Member Mixes Volleyball With Music

When one thinks of Jane Collymore, the image of a volleyball player comes to mind.

She played for the Florida Gators from 2002 to 2005, and she was one of the best players the team ever had. She provided highlight reels with her ability to serve and kill.

Here’s something that will surprise folks. Collymore is a musician. She has been in concerts and produced three CDs which can be purchased on her website,  JaneCollymore.com.

She is also playing volleyball for Gigante De Carolina, a team in Puerto Rico.

“When I’m overseas competing professionally or training with the National Team, I bring my gear with me,” Collymore says.

“Most of it’s portable. I produce and write on the road. I sneak little bits in when I can. Balance is key. Everyone needs something outside of work. Pro athletes are no different.”

It’s remarkable how she manages to share her love for both occupations.

“Work hard, work smart, take breaks, drink water, get lots of sleep,” she adds.

Believe it or not, her first love was music.

“I took piano lessons from ages 3-12, so technically music was my first love. I started serious athletic competition at age 15 and immersed myself in that world.”

Music set the stage to her personal development, though.

“Music’s always been a way for me to express a side of myself that I could not through sports. A yin/yang thing. In middle school, listening to various artists and bands provided a connection when I felt like a bit of an outcast. That’s the magic of art. It’s a sort of vehicle for both the artist & the listener.” 

She found something else when she started high school.

“I started playing volleyball in high school. I had the choice of playing field hockey, lacrosse, or volleyball during spring quarter my freshman year. I’m not a fan of long-distance running, so I chose volleyball.”

Why did volleyball stand out, of all sports?

“I stuck with it because it brought structure and afforded me opportunities I otherwise would not have had.”

She did so well in volleyball that the University of Florida offered a scholarship, which she gladly accepted. She enjoyed every moment of it.

“I loved playing for the Gators and Mary Wise. Florida has such a rich athletic history and Gator fans are some of the most passionate fans in the world. Mary’s a phenomenal person and coach, and quite passionate about her program. The experience meant everything to me.”

Wise’s impact went beyond volleyball.

“Mary Wise is like a second mother to me. I not only have tremendous respect for her as a coach, but as a person as well. She's been there for me over the years as much as anyone, during my Florida tenure and after.” adds Collymore.

For all the talk about college athletes being paid or not, nothing can buy the enjoyment of playing for a school.

“I loved the campus, the sport, my team, the fans, the intensity and the fervor with which my teammates and I represented the program. It was an invaluable four years that I wouldn’t have traded for anything. I was fortunate enough to get a free education out of it at a top-notch school.”

All good things have to come to an end, so she has taken her talent to Puerto Rico after graduating from Florida. Like her time in Gainesville, her experience in the small country has been enjoyable.

“Volleyball’s pretty huge in Puerto Rico, definitely the top women’s sport, if not the top sport in this country. Teams draw pretty big crowds and crowds get pretty wild. They bring airhorns and bongo drums. It's hilarious.”

There is an intangible a person must have to be successful in life. For the former Gator, she uses her free-spirited personality to handle the rigors of music and sports.

“Naturally, you're going to encounter ups and downs. There will be people that don't believe in you and disagree with you. You'll also encounter MANY that do (agree). That’s where confidence and a solid inner foundation come into play. Focus on the positive and control what you can control. If I set my sights on something and take small steps daily, I get there.”