Athlete of the Week

The Out-of-Door Academy senior Lauren Maxey finished with 21 kills and 19 digs to lead the Lady Thunder to a 3-2 victory over Sarasota Christian Sept. 6. 

The 17-year-old outside hitter has recorded 52 kills, eight aces, 39 digs and two blocks through the first four matches of the season. 

Even though this team is really new, in the sense that most of us haven’t played together, we have really good team chemistry when we play together. 

Having a consistent coach has helped us a lot. He honestly believes in us so much. He does a good job of seeing people’s potential and their skills and actually putting them to use. That’s why we all love him as our coach. 

When it’s back and forth, it’s really nerve-wracking. In the fifth set, you only have to get to 15, which makes it more exciting. It’s back and forth, and whoever has the momentum is winning, and it just shows which team is better. I think we all like the competition. 

To me, volleyball season is probably the best time of the year. We practice every day and work so hard. It’s nice to have your friends and family come out and support you and see what you’ve been working for. There’s also that sense of school pride if you win. 

I’m the only senior and a captain, so I feel like when we get together, I have to keep everyone positive and pumped up. Last year as a junior, I still looked up to the seniors and thought, “I still have one more year before I have to take responsibility.” I feel like there’s a lot more responsibility this year. 

This is my last year playing volleyball. I actually just signed a three-year contract with the Atlanta Model Talent Agency last weekend. I couldn’t believe it. I was actually working with my photographer when they called me.