A Hardin-Simmons University sophomore and volleyball player died in a car accident this morning as she was traveling from Stephenville, Texas, back to Abilene.
Jessica Rogers, a 2010 graduate of Henrietta High School, was a two-time all-state selection and district defensive MVP on the Henrietta volleyball team. Signing with HSU, she won the Cowgirls Spirit Award as a freshman and last fall was one of 52 HSU student athletes named to the American Southwest Conference All-Academic Honor Roll.
Jessica was working at Luskey’s Western Wear in Abilene and was on her way back to work after visiting her best friend from high school when the accident happened around 8 a.m. on I-20 near Eastland, Texas.
Hardin-Simmons University director of athletics, John Neese, says, “The HSU family is praying for Jessica’s family as they deal with today’s tragic loss. It is evident that Jessica touched many lives not only on our campus, but throughout Abilene in the last two years. She was a great representative of our university and her memory will serve as an inspiration for her teammates and for our campus.”
Members of the HSU Volleyball team and other students will meet with Neese and university chaplain, Dr. Kelley Pigott, tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. in the Hall of Fame room in the Mabee Complex.
Jessica was born Sept. 7, 1991, and was just one month short of celebrating her 21st birthday. She is the daughter of Doug Rogers of Henrietta, and Benton and Marge Easter of Gun Barrel, Texas.
Jessica was earning a Bachelor of Behavioral Science degree with a major in exercise science and attended Beltway Baptist Church.
Volleyball coach, Sabrina Bingham, says of Jessica, “She loved her God first and foremost, and it poured out of every part of her. She had the biggest heart in the world and truly cared about every person she came in contact with. She was always so energetic, full of life, and passionate about all that she was doing.
“Because of this you couldn’t help but smile when you were around her. She will be missed greatly by not only her team but by so many people who had a chance to experience who she truly was.”