As the Region’s Marketing and Communications lead, Jill Forsythe supports office operations, tournament logistics, and brings her trademark energy wherever she goes. At tournaments, she is the person helping to build a feeling of community — and making them fun.
“At tournaments, you’ll usually find me at the coach check-in table, handing out medals and trophies, around the venues with my camera, or at the KRVA swag table running all kinds of fun contests and giveaways,” Jill says. “I bring the fun factor.”
Like many in the volleyball community, Jill’s journey started with her children. “Both of my daughters transitioned from softball to volleyball in middle school and soon afterwards started playing club volleyball,” she says. “After a couple of years, I gave it a try at my local community center and absolutely loved it. I even started participating in grass tournaments with friends.” That love for the game quickly grew into a passion — one that now fuels her professional role in promoting the sport and connecting families across Pennsylvania.
For Jill, it’s all about the people. “I truly enjoy the interactions I have at tournaments with both parents and athletes,” she says. “I enjoy meeting people and having meaningful conversations.” Those connections, she adds, are what make KRVA events feel like more than competitions — they’re gatherings of a community that celebrates teamwork, effort, and enthusiasm.
Jill’s role gives her the perfect outlet for creativity. “I love being creative with contest and prize ideas,” she says. From themed giveaways to interactive activities at the KRVA swag table, her imaginative touch helps make every event memorable. It’s this creative edge that brings extra energy to tournament weekends and gives athletes and families something fun to look forward to beyond the matches themselves.
“When choosing the right club culture and team for you, remember why you are there in the first place,” Jill advises. “Your club experience should make you want to stay involved in the sport as a lifelong approach.” It’s advice that speaks to the heart of what makes the sport special — the balance of fun, growth, and community that keeps players connected long after the last whistle.
Jill’s favorite volleyball memory is a comeback for the ages. “My oldest daughter and her team were getting their butts kicked in the tournament finals — the score was something like 18–3,” she recalls. “Our coach called a timeout and said, ‘What they don’t know is that you’re going to win!’ That pep talk completely changed everything. The team went on to not only win that set but the next, and came in first in their division. Parents and athletes came over to watch and cheer them on. It was incredible — one of those moments you never forget.”
For Fun
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? — My first job after college was as an archaeologist. I spent my 20s traveling around the United States working on a variety of projects that involved mitigating archaeology sites. The most fascinating discovery for me was when I worked on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico. Not only was the excavating very exciting (I actually uncovered a fire hearth that dated to 10,000–15,000 years old that even had burnt maize in it!), but I worked directly alongside Native Americans who tried teaching me the Navajo language. (FYI, their language is one of the oldest on earth.)
What are your go-to activities during your downtime? — I love to golf, paint, watch movies, and spend time outdoors in my down time.
What’s a skill you have that most people don’t know about? — There are a couple of skills that most people don’t know about me. I have studied the spanish, french, and hungarian languages. I’ve run four marathons and one ultra. I can probably outrun you. lol
If KRVA gave out ‘superlatives,’ what would yours be? — Most Organized.