Sanford Volleyball Player Named Athlete of the Week

Anneli Wingertz

THE WEEK: Wingertz had eight kills, nine aces, two blocks, two digs and eight assists in a 3-1 victory over McKean. She added four kills, two aces, one block, one dig and seven assists in a 3-0 win over St. Andrew’s. Wingertz added five kills and 15 assists Saturday against Tatnall.

THE GAME: Although Sanford lost its homecoming game this past Saturday, Wingertz still managed to put up numbers in each category. She’s tallied at least an ace, kill, dig, block and assist in each of the past four games. “I always put my all into the games,” she said.

THE STRENGTH: Wingertz has only been playing volleyball for four years, but she has been a standout on the court this season. “I feel like I’ve improved a lot,” she said. “Hitting is my favorite. I like to be in the front row.” She has been successful thus far, but she knows there are always ways to improve. “I really want to work on my passing. I could do much better at that,” Wingertz said.

THE SEASON: Today, the Warriors match up against Tower Hill for the second time. “I think we can definitely keep the game going with them and do much better,” Wingertz said. Sanford lost to the Hillers earlier this season in straight sets. “I think this year the team is working a lot harder than we have in the past, and I can see the progress that we are making,” she said.

THE COACH SAYS: New to the Warriors, coach Kelley Gricol wasn’t sure what position each player would fall into. “Anneli is a huge asset to our team because she is successful in so many different parts of the volleyball court,” Gricol said. Wingertz is Sanford’s setter, middle hitter, can dig, pass and has a tremendous serve. The coach said she was ‘surprised in a good way’ at Wingertz’s versatility.

THE CLASSROOM: “I like math,”said Wingertz. When asked why, she said with a laugh, “Well, because I’m good at it.”

THE FUTURE: She is only a sophomore but plans to further her education and play volleyball in college. “I definitely want to continue playing volleyball and stay active.”

— Gianna Banner