Eleasha Sapon, Gatorade Alaska Volleyball Player of the Year, an Achievement This Player Deserves
A Journey to a Prestigious Honor
Eleasha Sapon, the libero for Dimond High’s volleyball team, has been honoured with the Gatorade Alaska Volleyball Player of the Year award. This achievement not only marks a significant milestone in her career but also highlights her efforts and dedication to the sport. With her outstanding performance, Sapon became the ninth player in Dimond’s history to receive this prestigious recognition.
On January 9, Eleasha officially received the esteemed award. She led Dimond to a regional championship and established herself as one of Alaska’s top defensive specialists in volleyball. Standing at just 5 feet tall, Sapon proved that skill and determination matter far more than height.
Impressive Achievements of Eleasha Sapon
During the past season, Sapon helped the Lynx achieve a record of 47-10-4, recording 1,019 digs with an average of 7.1 digs per match. This performance not only reflects her personal talent but also shows her positive impact on the entire team. Not only exceptional in defence, Sapon was also honoured as a U.S. Volleyball Coaches Association All-American, a prestigious recognition in the volleyball community.
4A State Championship Victory
At the 4A state championship, Eleasha truly shone as she was named to the All-Tournament Team. She achieved 78 service aces and contributed 94 assists for her teammates. These numbers reflect not only her technical excellence but also her leadership abilities on the court.
A Moment to Remember
When Sapon found out she had been selected as Player of the Year, she was surprised. “Honestly, I didn’t expect it because there were so many other amazing and hardworking athletes nominated as well,” she shared. Her humility and sportsmanship have earned her widespread admiration. The overwhelming emotion she felt upon receiving the message from Gatorade on Instagram made her realize that she had achieved one of her biggest dreams.
Inspiration and Goals
Sapon revealed that winning the award was one of her top goals since first learning about it. It represents not only a personal accomplishment but also recognition of her relentless efforts throughout her career. “Although every position is important, I feel like liberos are often not as appreciated as they should be,” she said. This shows Sapon’s ongoing determination to elevate the position of libero in volleyball.
An Exemplary Character
This award not only recognizes Sapon’s athletic achievements but also reflects her strong character and academic efforts. She maintained a 3.48 GPA, demonstrating that success comes not only from talent but from hard work in the classroom. Additionally, Sapon is an active volunteer, participating in activities with the Dimond Key Club, helping homeless youth, and supporting underprivileged children in her community.
Dedication to Community
Eleasha Sapon excels not just in sports but also in community activities. She has organized clothing drives and distributed blankets to youth during the winter months. Her dedication to her community has made a positive impact, proving that she is not only an athlete but also a compassionate individual.
Praise from Coaches
Dimond head coach Kim Lauwers has spoken highly of Eleasha. “There are certainly many deserving athletes this year, but Eleasha has not only worked hard over the past four years but also embodies high quality, integrity, and excellent leadership skills,” she praised. These words reflect the respect she has earned and reaffirm Sapon’s importance within her team.
A Title That Affirms Her Place
With the Gatorade Alaska Volleyball Player of the Year award, Eleasha Sapon has solidified her place in the world of volleyball. Her achievements not only mark a milestone in her career but also serve as motivation to continue striving for success. The combination of her talent, determination, and community commitment has made her an ideal role model for the next generation. Fans and the volleyball community in Alaska can look forward to the next chapter of Eleasha Sapon’s journey!