Warsaw’s Jordyn Lindeman celebrates earlier this season. The talented junior has come back strong from a car accident to help her team go 27-5 (File photos by Ansel Hygema)

WARSAW – Jordyn Lindeman has a new found perspective on life and her love for the sport of volleyball.

The WCHS junior has developed a greater appreciation for both after a car accident earlier this season.

It shows too in watching the emotional leader of an outstanding Warsaw volleyball team perform on the court.

“The wreck was a reality check for me in that I saw that it all could come to an end,” said Lindeman in a recent interview. “God was on my side and I was lucky.”

“It sparked something in me. Now, I put everything I have into volleyball.”

Lindeman was involved in the accident on Labor Day as she pulled out in front of another vehicle. She sustained a severed eyelid that required six stitches and missed just one match. She returned to practice just five days after the accident.

Lindeman knows the outcome could have been much worse as her car was totaled and the impact was not far from where she sat while driving her first car.

“My Dad showed me a photo of my car at the hospital and the way the car looked did not match up with how I looked,” related Lindeman. “It was unbelievable to see the damage to it.

“I have a lot of stuff left to do. I’m 16 and there’s so much more in life for me to do.”

“I know that I have a lot more appreciation for my parents now. I’m a lot more responsible from it (the accident) too.”

Lindeman’s accident is just one hurdle that her talented team has had to overcome this fall.  Warsaw coach Mike Howard missed the start of the season after undergoing back surgery and the Tigers have dealt with various injuries and illness throughout a stellar season.

“This team has definitely been the best thing that I’ve ever been a part of,” said Lindeman. “I’m just completely blessed to have all of my coaches and teammates that I do.

“Coach Howard has been my rock. I couldn’t ask for a better coach. He and Katie (senior Katie Voelz) were the first two in my hospital room after the accident.

“I didn’t know if I would play again after the accident. It was emotionally hard for me at first. But, this team was there for me and they picked me up. They’re family.”

“I didn’t know how I would come back from the accident. But, it’s been this team. They have pushed me and helped me so much.”

Howard has watched his junior middle blocker blossom since the accident. Lindeman has helped the Tigers go 27-5, including winning the Northern Lakes Conference title at a perfect 7-0 this season.

“I think that the accident helped her put some things in perspective,” said Howard. “I think that she learned to value every experience and every moment you have.

“Her game has just taken off for us. Her physical performance has been tremendous. Defensively she’s been tremendous at the net for us.”

Lindeman is anxious for postseason play to start. The Tigers face Elkhart Central Thursday in the opening match of the Class 4-A Concord Sectional. Warsaw has not won a sectional championship since 2004 and has been sidelined each of the past two seasons by power Elkhart Memorial despite having outstanding regular seasons.

“I can’t wait to see what we can do,” said Lindeman of postseason action. “This team has so much going for it. We are all on the same page and all want the same thing.

“We have stepped it up this year and definitely have overcome expectations.”

“This is a team. We have a tight bond and have stuck together through everything this season. We know what we want.

“I know this is where I’m supposed to be. With this team.”

And it shows.

Jordyn Lindeman will be a big key for the Tigers in sectional play at Concord this week.