Rolle has been playing basketball for ten years and for the last two has been the leading rebounder for the Crusaders. The native of Cocoa, Fla., ranked second nationally last year in NAIA Division II rebounding, averaging 12.6 boards per game. This winter, Rolle ranks third nationally in total rebounds (291) and sixth in rebounds per contest (11.6).

"I became interested in playing basketball when I was little and I used to practice dunking on a little Fisher Price goal," said Rolle, a Midwest Collegiate Conference honorable mention all-conference pick last winter. "I started to play ball all the time and people used to watch me and say ‘you could be the next Lisa Leslie.' I knew I could as long as I worked hard and kept at it."

"The one thing we know that we will always get from Jo is rebounding," Clarke Head Women's Basketball Coach Zareth Gray said. "She is very much like a Dennis Rodman on the court. She reads the ball well and goes and gets it without hesitation."

Rolle has grabbed 20 or more rebounds on four occasions in her two seasons at Clarke and snared a school-record 26 rebounds against Robert Morris last November in the Crusaders' season opener.

Basketball is a sport that cannot have hesitation. This is especially true if you have a height disadvantage, but Rolle plays like she's 6-2 when she goes after a ball.

"This summer I was talking about how I wanted to get this rebound record because I missed it by three rebounds last year. I wanted to be number one," said Rolle.

Coach Gray teaches all her players about their strengths, but says ultimately it is their responsibility to grow by using what they are taught. On a team comprised of only nine women, it is necessary for all their strengths to mesh. There is no room for error or injury.

Rolle works hard in practice to increase her skills and work with her strengths.

"It's important to take criticism well because it makes you a better player. Practice makes perfect," said Rolle. She also helps lead the team as a captain and according to Coach Gray helps lighten the mood with her sense of humor.

After the completion of this semester, Jo plans to become a parole officer.

"Next year I expect Jo to become a productive member of society," said Gray. "I expect everyone including Jo to continue getting better until the final horn of the season."

Rolle and her teammates will open MCC Tournament play in late March.