by Ericka Simpson, Triangle staff writer
Ever since senior Amber Smith’s freshman year, a coach has nominated her for the Appalachian Athletic Conference Player of the Week in volleyball for her standout performance on the court,. Two weeks ago, an official in the conference once again chose Smith as the AAC Player of the Week.
Smith, from Pompano, Fla, has played volleyball since sixth grade and has played both middle blocker and right side hitter.
“I love playing both,” Smith said, “but my favorite position is middle blocker
Smith is an aggressive player according to Varsity Volleyball Coach Leo Sayles. For the past three years, she has nursed a shoulder injury but had surgery in the spring. Sayles said that Smith has now matured and learned to trust herself.
“As a freshman, she had to make some adjustments to the speed of the game,” Sayles said. “Now she dictates the speed of the game.”
According to Sayles, Smith has proven herself to be one of the top blockers in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. She is currently ranked #12 in the nation in blocks.
Smith said she loves the game and enjoys winning with her team.
“I love playing on a team that plays for the Lord because we know that it is He who has blessed us with our abilities,” Smith said. “We are so competitive, and I love every minute that I am out on the court with the girls.”