GODDESS & WARRIOR AWARDS
Delainy Williams
ATHENAVB 18 GOLD
Delainy has adapted and adjusted to this new team and new challenge like a champion. She shows her amazing sense of community every single day by connecting with everyone and has already built very strong bonds with the whole squad. Her intent and effort is constant, I don’t know what her taking it easy looks like. Good days, bad days, she’s going all out and tries to get better. She made a lot of changes, embraced adversity, and welcomed all the challenges this new season threw her way. It is a pleasure to coach her everyday, she’s always smiling and happy to be among us, we are lucky to have her in our gym
Lauren has displayed a lot of selflessness and enthusiasm for her teammate’s successes. She is always bringing energy for the team and is ready to compete and improve at any moment.
Lauren Crumley
ATHENAVB 18 BLACK
Abraham "Abe" Torquido
AJAXVB 18 BLACK
Koinonia and Parakaleo. It’s easy to focus on celebrating someone at an event, but where Abe has shined the most is each and every practice. We have multiple players from other teams and even in colleges coming and joining our practices, and Abe is always one of the first to introduce himself and make them feel welcome. There is little to no hesitation to cheer on and celebrate his club teammates as well as the guests in the same way. During the breaks, we see Abe constantly making the effort to spend time with everyone having conversations which truly builds a welcoming, growth focused community. He is truly a representation of Koinonia for the Ajax and Athena VB family.
She was a rockstar at uplifting, encouraging, and celebrating her teammates.
Alexandra Wong
ATHENAVB 12 SILVER
Maeve is a very coachable player. When given feedback, she applies it right away. She keeps a smile on her face even when she makes a mistake. Nothing brings her down. She’s an uplifting teammate who makes people better by her positivity and infectious energy. Maeve also had a great first Power League qualifier, finishing the day with the most kills for the team of 16. Maeve, we are so proud of you!
Maeve Cameron
ATHENAVB 12 GOLD
Zoe is always cheering on her teammates & recognizing their successes. She is also open to coaches feedback and works hard to implement what is asked of her.
Zoe Sheehan
ATHENAVB 14 TOPAZ
Lia embodies the values that are listed at the ends of our courts in Olympus. She is equally about uplifting others as well as holding herself to a very high standard. She is not only a great athlete, she is a great person and teammate. Thank you for making those around you better.
Lia Wagner
ATHENAVB 17 BLACK
Noelle is always a team player, she uplifts her teammates and displays excellence in her training efforts.
Noelle Kersey
ATHENAVB 14 CHROME
Alex shows up for practice every night ready to get after it. He's works hard to keep the ball off the floor and isn't afraid to take the big swing when he gets the chance.
Alex Tugano
AJAXVB 14 GOLD
Finley is a super hard working athlete. She wants to improve every second she is on the court during practice and games. She's the epitome of a good teammate - cheers her teammates on and congratulates them on their successes! Her coachability and positive attitude make her an asset to her team! Paired with stepping in to any role we need her to play with full effort and humility, Finley is a joy to have in our Athena community!
Finley Peters
ATHENAVB 16 SILVER
Lily is 11 Black’s first Goddess because she gives the maximum amount of effort every time she shows up. She is eager to learn and willing to get uncomfortable in order to grow. She invests in her mindset training. Lily gives her coaches great eye contact and is always actively listening to her coaches and teammates. Our team is full of goddess worthy players, but as coaches, we notice when Lily isn’t at practice. Like when her family took her on a fabulous vacation. Lily Melby is a force and 11blacks first goddess.
Lily Melby
ATHENAVB 11 BLACK
Tatum was a great leader in both of our back to back tournaments. She was not only a great teammate; being encouraging and positive, she was also confident in herself and never gets down, is always looking to the next play/point. She was just as enthusiastic on the first point of the day as she was the last point, and is always looking to get better and improve her game as well as her teammates.
Tatum Stockwell
ATHENAVB 13 SILVER
Linnea is a fantastic leader on and off the court, she always uses 100% effort and has a positive attitude!
Linnea Vargason
ATHENAVB 16 ONYX
Kaleb Douglass
AJAXVB 18 GOLD
Going into our host tournament, 18 Gold was a bit short-handed, battered and under-the-weather. Kaleb, one of our setters, was asked to wear the libero jersey for most of the tournament. Instead of looking at this situation as a loss or a punishment, Kaleb embraced the challenge and certainly stepped up for the occasion. Not only did Kaleb embody a "team-first" attitude, but he truly challenged himself to improve his communication, his aggression, and his leadership. Leading by example, Kaleb acted as a calm and steady force for our team. We are proud of Kaleb, for helping us all take a "team-first" approach this past weekend.
Luna Lavelle
ATHENAVB 13 ONYX
Luna is the epitome of what we strive to be here at Athena. She is always giving full energy and full effort whether she’s running over the parents to run down a ball, or getting up to hit every ball that she possibly can. She is an amazing teammate, and is always helping teammates remember where they are in rotation or just simply cheering them on every step of the way. This last weekend when we played in Seattle Luna made huge leaps and strides in her confidence. After any mistake big or small she didn’t let her head hang or apologize, instead she looked to her teammates and told them she would get the next one and she did just that every single time. She never pulled back on effort or positive aggression with hitting or serving, even after a mistake. If others made a mistake she also reminded them that they have the next one. It was so fun to watch her confidence grow
She’s a seriously awesome kid. Gives practice her all, has the best energy and is always giving and not taking! One of the best teammates to have on your side and easy to coach!
Paola Reyes
ATHENAVB 18 ONYX
Ella is the epitome of positivity. Her attitude and outlook are always uplifting and she is never ready to admit defeat. She gives her all in practice, New Athlete and tournaments and has challenged herself to stay uncomfortable this season, which has shown in her growth as a player and teammate. She's frequently the first to volunteer and the last on the court, helping to gather balls, clean up and anything else that needs to be done. We are so fortunate to have her on our team and I can't wait to see how she shapes the rest of the season.
Ella Forsberg
ATHENAVB 14 WHITE
Peyton is the kind of teammate you strive to be; her hardworking personality and positive attitude ultimately drive you to come together and be better, not only for yourself but for your team. She constantly brings full effort, full energy day in and day out, always working to improve her game and always with a smile on her face. She understands the balance between being focused and having fun. Her coaches couldn’t be more proud!
Peyton Sendecke
ATHENAVB 14 SILVER
Steph ALWAYS gives full effort and energy in every situation! From practice, to New Athlete, to in competition, she CREATES energy for our team! Steph has taken on the challenge of playing different roles for our team, and has done so with enthusiasm and confidence! Steph is a leader and the heart of our team and we are grateful for all she brings to us each and every day!
Stephanie Canoy
ATHENAVB 17 ONYX
This player is a prime example of positivity both on and off the court. She is always putting in her best effort with a smile on her face, even if she makes a mistake. Her positive energy is extremely contagious and cheers for her team on and off the court. I’ve yet to see her come to practice not smiling. For these reasons I nominate Stella.
Stella Jacobi
ATHENAVB 12 ONYX
We can always rely on Liliana to be positive, uplifting, and encouraging towards her teammates. She is the loudest one when she is on the bench and the most fearless when she is on the court. We know that when she enters the court she will bring a bolt of energy and inspiration to her teammates with incredible digs and a big smile.
Liliana Inouye
ATHENAVB 15 PINK
Siena Samuelson
ATHENAVB 15 CHROME
Whenever you see Siena she ALWAYS has a smile on her face! Her positive, go getter attitude is infectious to those around her. She is always encouraging her team and giving 110%. Siena’s ability to remain positive in difficult games and being able to keep her energy consistent is a huge asset to the team! This past weekend she showed up for her team and has improved immensely, absorbing any feedback from her coaches or teammates! Siena is an incredible teammate, and person, and is always uplifting those around her :)
Arete - Gabi is always striving to be the best she can possibly be, whether that's working on specific skills, improving her mental game, or being a better teammate even through injuries
Gabi Velasco
ATHENAVB 15 ONYX
Lyndlee has become a powerful leader on 13 Black. She continues to show efforts of uplifting her team on the court- and is often the first to step in to help her teammates, offer to ref, or demo a drill. Her team can always count on her to give it her all in whatever is asked of her.
Lyndlee Hawley
ATHENAVB 13 BLACK
She continues to uplift her teammates in practices and matches. She's is as excited about her teammates' Msuccesses as she is her own. Lola always brings a positive energy to rmr court and is the first to congratulate teammates even after she haha the kill or block
Lola Mastrantonio
ATHENAVB 15 PINK
Natalia Joly
ATHENAVB 11 GOLD
Natalia is one of the most positive players I have ever coached. She is constantly uplifting her teammates both when she is in the game and when on the bench. She is always looking for ways to improve and gives her all no matter what. My favorite memory of Natalia so far this season was during our first power league. She took a HUGE swing on an over pass and the ball crashed hard right in the middle of the net. She just turned around with a huge smile on her face. She also radiates energy and never misses an opportunity to thank her coaches at the end of every practice.
Desmond (or Des) is such a great teammate on and off the court. He is very respectful, and he takes instruction and correction very well. He’s a steadfast, consistent player; always working hard and putting in the effort. And on top of that, it’s obvious that he enjoys the game of volleyball and wants to improve. I love his attitude and his character. It’s been a pleasure to be his coach this season!
Desmond Dewey
AJAXVB 16 BLACK
Sam is the definition of a hard worker! She has grown so much this season, even playing 4 different positions on our team! She's versatile, athletic and dynamic on the court. Besides that, she is a great teammate! She uplifts and encourages. She laughs and shows immense joy every time she walks into the gym. Sam is every coach's dream athlete!
Samantha Snoozy
ATHENAVB 14 PINK
Lizzie is a great teammate. She leads by example, always excited to be in the gym and giving whatever task at hand 100% effort. She’s the first person to cheer on her teammates for their successes and cheer them up on tough days. We’re lucky to have Lizzie on our team!
Elizabeth Bryant
ATHENAVB 14 IVORY
Her energy, humility and teamwork
LilyAnn Booth
ATHENAVB 15 WHITE
Stella is the type of person that everyone wants on their team. Not just because she is a great athlete, but because she is an amazing teammate. Stella gives her 100% all the time and is a supportive teammate on and off the court. We as coaches are very proud to have Stella as a part of our team, and we love seeing her growth, day after day.
Stella Willott
ATHENAVB 14 ONY
Lee McBride
ATHENAVB 16 WHITE
Lee is the type of player every coach wishes to have on their team. She is always showing up to practice ready to work hard, and push to get better everyday. In addition to this Lee is an amazing teammate. She’s the first one to cheer on her teammates, help them in any way possible, and give positive energy to her team. I’ve watched Lee run into chairs, climb up walls, and launch herself across a gym floor to get a touch on the ball. Her hard work is not only inspiring but contagious, and we are so thankful to be able to see Lee grow into an amazing player, and leader on our team.
Dan-Nhi Nguyen
ATHENAVB 16 CHROME
In my 6 years with Athena, I have never had such trouble with picking a Goddess. I say this because 16 Chrome’s Success comes from the fact that they are a team/family and not individual players. This athlete we have chosen has been a great teammate since day one but in her own quiet way. She has given full effort in every practice and every game. Almost to the point where we as coaches have a hard time taking her off the court. What I love the most is that she not only trusts and respects her teammates, but they trust and respect her back. We have loved watching Dahnhi grow this season and Im not talking about her growth as a player, but more as a leader.
Koinonia- Kendyl is time and time again willing to sacrifice her own time to help teammates. She is a vocal leader on the team and is always willing to put down whatever she is doing to help a teammate.
Kendyl Shook
ATHENAVB 15 SILVER
Carson Posner
AJAXVB 16 GOLD
As coach - one of the things I'm most proud of in being apart of this club is how much we focus on players as good people, not just good players. We all walk around the gyms and hear the swearing, the poor sportsmanship etc. And here, at this club - we set a different standard and all of you players hold eachother to a higher caliber. In my opinion, understanding what a great teammate should be is part of that culture that sets our club apart. A great teammate can be described as : Someone - with a "team-first" mentality - who is doesn't search for a spotlight but champions the success of the team - who is always working hard to be better than they were yesterday - And, in my opinion, who cares about people beyond the jersey These are not all qualities that, in my opinion, described Carson last year. But, rarely, in my 20+ years of coaching, have I seen a player work so diligently to redefine their character and reputation as our Carson has. He is a force to be reckoned with on the court, no doubt. But it has been amazing to watch him shift his focus to being a better support his teammates. He sets a tone at practice that challenges our team to go just a little bit harder. He has shown a desire to learn and grow from mistakes. He is the first one to text after a hard loss with an inspirational reminder to keep at the grind. For these reasons and more - Coach G and I are proud to call Carson our Warrior.
Esther Hoesing
ATHENAVB 14 GOLD
Athena 14 Gold is full of dedicated, hard working players that are committed to their individual development and the team's success. Among them, Esther stands out because of her versatitlity, court saavy, and game IQ. Esther's primary role is as a L/DS, but she has also stepped in to run the court as a setter when needed. Even when she couldn't play due to an injury she helped the team by contributing valuable insight to adjust our game plan. Esther is always so thoughtful with her feedback during our after-practice kudos sessions and is an amazing teammate. She contributes to our team in so many ways and we are lucky to have her as part of 14 Gold!!
Energy, ability to come into a new team and be herself.
Onyinyechi Nwosu
ATHENAVB 16 GOLD
Addy truly embodies what it means to be an Athena athlete. From Arete and her dedication to excellence, to Koinonia and leadership on the team to create and foster a strong bond of community, she is most deserving of a goddess award. The joy and intensity she brings to each practice and match is always to her fullest capacity and can lift any of her teammates at any given moment. She is such a pleasure to have on the team!
Addy Azavedo
ATHENAVB 17 GOLD
Lily Bryan
ATHENAVB 13 GOLD
For our 13 Gold Goddess this year, I kept thinking about the difference in being on the water in a small boat vs on a large ship. On a smaller vessel, when the waters are even slightly rough, every bit of it is felt. But on a big ship you can still feel steady in the midst of chaotic waters. That is the picture I have for our Lily. She is our steady. She has chosen to go big in respect, discipline, integrity, encouragement, excellence, and community. Because of that, there really aren’t those noticeable ups and downs with her. Instead, she is consistent in the heart she puts forth and she continues to be a gift of dependability to her teammates and coaches. Lil, thank you so much for being a large ship for 13 Gold and for being our goddess.
Delaney Averill
ATHENAVB 14 GOLD
Hoss and I took a long time figuring out who our goddess would be this year as it is an important achievement that highlights what it means to be an Athena athlete. This person through thick and thin has proved that they encompass not one but all of our pillars. Koinonia - community. This person is always pulling people to her and making sure they feel accepted and heard. Integrity - this person is always striving to do right for them selves and their team. They seek out assistance when needed and are always ready to learn. Parakaleo - uplift and encourage. I have never seen a player push and pull her team with her through good and bad becoming a strong backbone of our team the way this player does. She represents a calm confidence that all her teammates can rely on. Discipline - this player is truly the epitome of this word always striving to do things right pushing herself to get better and bring others with her. Arete - excellence. this player is constantly challenging her self, honing in on areas of improvement and asking for feedback to better herself at any given moment. Respect - this player shows such respect and love for the game, her team and coaches. I have been thankful to know this person for the last two seasons and have enjoyed watching her growth. I am so excited to award Delaney goddess for 15 black.
Faith Cadonau
ATHENAVB 14 BLACK
Every one of our 14 Black players have shown themselves as a goddess on our team throughout the season so to select just one is tough however this individual brings it every day. - Full energy, full effort. - She recognizes her role on and off the court. - She strives to be a good teammate. Passion, fire inside, and a hard worker but above all this goddess is coachable. She works on the things we ask. She comes to compete and she does it well. She has become that right mix of encouragement and let’s get going team. Congrats to our goddess….Faith Cadonau
Maria Silic
ATHENAVB 12 GOLD
Maria Silic, 12 gold: Maria is the definition of what Athena stands for. Her work ethic is like non I’ve seen before. She worked all last year, into summer and fall, 5 days a week, to get from 12 silver to 12 gold. Hours in the gym. Hours lifting and speed and agility. An unexpected knee surgery cut her season short. But that did not stop her from being a team player or working towards her goals. She continued to do private lessons(sitting on a box; passing and serving. She was able to go in and serve at our last power league, national qualifier, and regionals, where she racked up some aces. Maria never once missed a practice due to her knee surgery. She constantly cheered on her teammates during practice and games, always giving them feedback that would benefit them. Marias work ethic is one to aspire to be like. Maria, we are so proud of you and everything you’ve accomplished.
Presley Getman
ATHENAVB 12 BLACK
Our goddess has just been a bundle of joy and positivity since day one. She’s truly a selfless player, providing encouragement and energy to her teammates whether she’s on or off the court. This girl is a hard worker and has a great work ethic, the kind of player who never cuts corners and never takes the easy way out and constantly looks to better her game by asking questions on what she can do outside of practice to improve. She takes feedback really well, always responds with a “Yes coach”, and then goes back out on that court and does it. She truly is a coaches dream athlete and I envy the coach who gets her next!
Alex personifies many of the pillars/ core values we believe in at Athena. Arete (Excellence; continual displays excellence in their training efforts) is the core value we would love to recognize Alex for. She is an incredibly thoughtful and hardworking human and volleyball player. Not only is Alex our team’s Goddess this season, she is also an ambassador for everything Athena stands for!
Alex Douglas
ATHENAVB 15 GOLD