Headphones, Heart and Black Eagle Pride: JoJo Plear’s Volleyball Journey

For the South Charleston senior, the game is built on familiar routines, growing teammates and giving her all.

By BBG Sports | Interview by Justin Phillips

Joe’lle “JoJo” Plear had just finished school and was headed to practice when she joined BBG Sports. It was a small glimpse into the rhythm of her senior year: classes, volleyball and the responsibilities waiting beyond the court.

The 17-year-old South Charleston High School middle blocker began playing volleyball in middle school. About five years later, it has become her favorite sport—and a place where she hopes her effort speaks for itself.

“I hope they remember … that I gave it my all and played my heart out,” she said.

Before she steps onto the court, Plear settles into familiar routines. She stretches, puts on her headphones and listens to artists including Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Frank Ocean. On the way to away games, music accompanies the ride.

Those rituals are part of the everyday culture of sports: the songs, habits and preparations that help an athlete find her footing before the competition begins.

Once the match starts, her position requires constant movement. As a middle blocker, Plear helps defend attacks across the net, moving between the middle and the outside positions while watching the ball and making room for the setter.

“Middle blockers, they run around a lot,” she explained.

Her height and long arms help her reach above the net, but the game also demands attention, timing and coordination with her teammates. When asked what makes her proud, Plear focused on their progress.

South Charleston has a young roster with many freshmen and sophomores. Through the season, she has watched them become more connected.

“They’ve grown so much,” she said. “They’ve started to work together better.”

For Plear, that growth matters. A team develops through repeated practices, shared mistakes and learning how to trust the person beside you.

Away from volleyball, she also plays basketball, works at a country club in South Charleston and volunteers at her church, where she serves as youth president. Helping others is also shaping her plans after graduation. She wants to study psychology and become a children’s psychologist.

“I’ve always wanted to help people,” she said.

College volleyball remains a possibility if an opportunity arises, but her future ambitions reach beyond athletics.

For younger girls considering the sport, Plear offers reassurance rooted in her own experience.

“Do not be nervous. I was nervous the first time I played too.”

Her advice is to begin, learn and find the flow of the game. Her own story shows what can grow from that first uncertain step: familiar music before a match, teammates learning together and a senior determined to be remembered for playing with heart.