Setting The Pace: Jenna Ylivainio And Her Start As A Buff

November 09, 2026 | Volleyball

BOULDER — Jenna Ylivainio booked a one-way ticket to the United States to continue fulfilling her dream of playing volleyball with a touch of nerves, loads of excitement, and a visa that arrived six hours before take-off.

Ylivainio had never visited the United States prior to committing to Colorado, and was worried she had missed her window of opportunity. The thought of playing college volleyball sounded fun, but she was sure it was too late for her. When she got the call from Head Coach Jesse Mahoney, she jumped at the opportunity.

"She's a skilled setter with great court awareness, makes good decisions, and has the ability to put her teammates in positions to…