Usually, the great ones think of ways to redefine themselves whenever a major milestone is accomplished.
Senior outside hitter Jacob Aca already won The Ledger’s 2024 Player of the Year after rising above and taking his team deep in the FHSAA boys’ volleyball postseason. So, heading into the 2026 campaign, Aca’s mindset was to make the best of the opportunity, as he knew that at any point, any game could be his last as a high school player, especially since how he performed could have carried over into college. He said he wanted his last memories in high school to be that he did his very best as a leader, brother, teammate, son, and player.
One lasting memory that will stick in Aca’ mind for the rest of his life was playing Freedom High School in the regional semifinals. While the high-flying Eagles lost the game 3-0, the competition level was night and day in comparison to the year before against the same team in the exact same round. This time around, the guys on the court were playing at a high level even when the pressure was on. As a team, there was no doubt the Eagles elevated their level of play as true contenders.
Aca on the court was a man amongst boys, though his team still lost, finishing the year at 16-5 in 2026. For the season’s totality, he racked up 236 kills, 22 assists and 123 digs. And it’s also more about the stats; it’s about the force at which he makes his kills. Aca is certainly a college player and he’s once again The Ledger’s 2026 Player of the Year.
“The feeling is amazing. I’m thankful for everyone who … supported me throughout the journey. I hope I was able to live up to everyone’s expectations, and I look forward to continuing that at the college level,” Aca said.
George Jenkins head boys volleyball coach Jena Ousley knows a thing or two about her best player.
“Jacob Aca is the definition of dedication and hard work,” Ousley said. “A fiercely committed volleyball player, Jacob works year-round to improve every aspect of his game, constantly pushing himself to become the best athlete he can be. Whether he’s in the gym, on the court, or putting in extra training on his own, his work ethic and determination set him apart. His passion for volleyball, relentless drive to improve, and commitment to excellence make him a player who leads by example and continues to raise the bar for himself and those around him…”
“Beyond his individual accomplishments, Jacob is the type of teammate every program hopes to have. He willingly supports and encourages younger players, helping them grow both on and off the court. He understands that being a leader is about more than performance — it is about setting the standard through actions, attitude, and accountability. Jacob holds himself to a high standard in everything he does, knowing that younger athletes are watching and learning from his example. His willingness to lead, mentor, and invest in others makes a lasting impact on his teammates and helps strengthen the culture of the entire program.”
Still, Aca needed to develop into this kind of leader. While he always found himself in leadership roles, this was was different. As a senior, he had younger players looking up to him, which meant he had to lead by example, not just during practices and games, but off the court as well. He had to show that he could get good grades, work hard, stay level-headed, handle adversity and be at his best, even during the times when things weren’t easy.
This leadership and team chemistry translated to a big Feb. 28 meet in which the program faced a top-15 program in Tocoi Creek. While the team fell short 2-0, the team played some of the best volleyball the Eagles have ever played.
But now his focus is on continuing to build his strength in the gym as he prepares for either Division I or Division II college volleyball.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: George Jenkins’ Jacob Aca is The Ledger’s 2026 Boys VB Player of the Year
Reporting by Robert Magobet, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Robert Magobet, Lakeland Ledger | USA TODAY Network
