Hardin-Simmons student athlete killed in car accident

EASTLAND—Jessica Rogers, a Hardin-Simmons University sophomore volleyball player, died in a car accident Aug. 9.

Rogers, who would have turned 21 Sept. 7, was returning to Abilene to work at her part-time job at a western-wear store after visiting a friend in Stephenville. The accident occurred around 8 a.m. on I-20, near Eastland.

Jessica Rogers

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.

“The HSU family is praying for Jessica’s family as they deal with (their) tragic loss,” said John Neese, director of athletics at Hardin-Simmons. “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.”

Rogers, the daughter of Doug Rogers of Henrietta and Margie Easter of Gun Barrel City, was pursuing a bachelor of behavioral science degree at HSU, with a major in exercise science. She attended Beltway Baptist Church in Abilene and was a member of Henrietta Cowboy Church.

“She loved her God first and foremost, and it poured out of every part of her,” said Sabrina Bingham, HSU volleyball coach. “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.”