From the minute Jane Ward stepped on the volleyball court in 1954 until she retired in 1968, she had a profound impact on the way the women's game evolved. She changed the way people in America viewed women's volleyball.

Jane Ward brought a distinctive competitive fire and athletic ability that changed the game's genteel image for women. During her college years she didn't have much of an interest in volleyball, but when she started playing at the age of 22 she added a new dimension to the game.

From 1954 to 1968, Jane Ward dominated USVBA volleyball as an outside hitter who also set and occasionally saw time at middle blocker. She led her teams to 13 national championships. She was an All-American in each of her thirteen seasons and was an MVP at Nationals five times.

She played her fair share of international matches as well. She was an Olympian in 1964 and 1968, played in the World Championships of 1956 and 1960, and also competed in the Pan-Am Games in 1955, 1959, 1963 and culminating in 1967 with a first place finish.

After retiring in 1968 she continued coaching and teaching at various schools for 20 years.