Thanks to you, JoAnn, my only claim to fame was being a member of the National Junior College Volleyball team in 1975. I believe it was the ONLY time Ricks College took 1st place in volleyball Nationals! I think we took 4th place the year before.
At any rate, I will never forget how awesome it was to play for you, JoAnn, and the love and friendship we have shared over the years. That game we played to win the Nationals was amazing and we came back from behind to win it. You believed in us as a team and as individuals. Thanks for all of the great memories while traveling to all of those games, back in the day, in the team van. We had to “drive” everywhere! We laughed/slept/sang/ate, and took turns sitting up front with you to keep you awake while you drove us to and from our destinations. To this day when I hear the song “Please Come to Boston” by Dave Loggins…I think of you! We came in dresses, we played in dresses, and we left in dresses. (Our inside joke on our field hockey uniforms we wore back then-ha!) To this day, I have that uniform that you sent to me for a birthday gift years ago with the message that you had retired No. 44 in my honor. I have always treasured that gift! (Not that anyone else would ever want to wear it – tee hee)
Having come from the mid-west and not knowing anything about the real game of volleyball (back then, I did not even know that power volleyball existed…only what I now call “jungle ball”), I tried out just for the love of playing sports. Fortunately, you must have seen some potential and I made the team. You were so personable, fun, animated, and loved the game…it was easy to work my heart out for you. Thanks for all the memories!
It was amazing to represent the Church and Ricks as we played in so many different locations against some amazing teams. I know we made an impact with referees/teams/individuals. Through it all, I always knew how strong your testimony was, and just how much the Gospel meant to you. I have always admired and looked up to you. Next to my own mother, you are one of my heros. You truly are a wonderful woman and I thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of such a great experience! I hope your retirement will be all that you hope it to be.
With much love and affection from the “girl from Missouri”
Roxanne Skapple
Pictured below with son, Wade
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