THE SOUTH FLORIDA VOLLEYBALL REPORT: PLAYER PROFILE: ALEXANDRA WALEWSKI

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

PLAYER PROFILE: ALEXANDRA WALEWSKI

In a time that so many players are specialist it is refreshing to see a player that can do many things. Alex is such a player in that she has strong skill sets and is gifted enough to play anywhere around the court. She is strong and tenacious to be a top Libero at the next level. She is also a top OH with over 253 Kills.

With the ability of Div. I Schools to only offer 12 scholarships on their teams, the need to have talented players that can excel at different positions is very important. We are strong believers that Alexandra is such a player. We hope you enjoy reading her profile as much as we have enjoyed preparing it.

SFVR: When did you first play Volleyball and what attracted you to the sport?
A. Walewski: I was interested in playing volleyball coming out of middle school even though i had never played before. I have always been interested in sports and had played basketball, but i wanted to give volleyball a try. I attended summer conditioning and my first volleyball camp at Sunset before starting high school. I had a lot to learn during my J.V. season, but really progressed once i started playing club.

SFVR: Tell us about your love for the game and your desire to become a better player?
A. Walewski: There is nothing I look forward to more than an intense match where everything is on the line and I can deliver for my team. I'm always striving to improve my skills and become a better mental player. Playing year round since I first started playing as a freshman has definitely helped me. I have enjoyed the close bonds I have formed on my school and club teams.

SFVR: Why do you want to play Volleyball at the next level?
A. Walewski: I would like to continue playing competitively at a higher level. I have a Passion for the game, especially since I didn't start playing until high school. I have grown as a player and want to continue evolving and competing at the college level.

SFVR: What Does the word Coachable mean to you?
A. Walewski: It means when a player is able to listen to what a coach tells them and apply it to their play in order to improve their game and become a better mental and physical player.

SFVR: List and Rank your favorite positions and tell us a little bit on why you like these positions the most.
A. Walewski: I would have to say my favorite position is a tie between outisde hitter and libero. I love being that person who finises the play with a strong kill that gives my team momentum during the game. However, I have learned to read and be a very strong passer and defensive player. I enjoy the challenge of digging up the strongest hitters on the opposing team. In addition, although its not my first choice, I am capable of being a setter, which I have learned is a lot harder than it looks, but it is another fun position to play because you run your offense the way you want.

SFVR: What do you intend on doing during the summer to become a better player?
A.Walewski: This summer I plan to workout and train to reach my fullest potential. I will still be playing with my club team (South Florida Flyers) in the beginning of the summer until AAU Nationals in June, and hopefully I will be able to attend a high performance training camp.

Player Profile:

Alexandra Walewski- Jr. 5'7"/127Lbs
Positions: L/DS, OH, S
High School: John A. Ferguson Sr
Attn: Coach Greg Shanower
15900 SW 56th Street,
Miami, FL. 33185

Last Measured Approach Reach: 109"
Last Measured Block Reach: 102"
Last Measured Standing Reach: 86.5"

2008 Statistics: 320 Digs, 253 Kills, 58 Aces

Coaches Comments:

Greg Shanower, Head Volleyball Coach for Ferguson High School and The South Florida Flyers Club:Alex is the greatest defender I have ever coached. It seems that she can read and react faster than anyone on the court. I believe that this skill will help her be a great college defensive specialist. Alex is also very solid at every position on the court, she can set, hit, pass and serve better than most players I have coached. I know she will make a great player at the next level.

Experience:
* 2006 JV: John A. Ferguson HS
* 2007 Varsity: Ferguson HS
* 2007 Miami Storms Volleyball Club (16's Travel)
* 2008 Varsity: Ferguson HS
* 2008 Spike Volleyball Club 16's Travel)
* 2009 South Florida Flyers Club (17's National)

Awards and Recognition:
* 2007 All Dade - Third Team (sophomore)
* 2007 Regional Quarter Finals
* 2007 Florida Regional Championships 2nd Place Silver - Miami Storm VBC
* 2008 All Dade - Second Team (junior)
* 9/30/08 Top Performer: Miami Herald
* 2008 District 15-6A Champions
* 2008 Regional Semi-Finalist
* 2009 Won the Gold at the Disney Classic 17's

GPA/HPA 3.96 unweighted / 4.9 weighted
Major: Undecided
Have you registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse: YES
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Artist: Beyonce
Favorite vacation: Colorado

Alexandra, we wish you the very best in the balance of this club season and your senior year at Ferguson High School. Please keep in touch with the report.