ATHLETES OF THE WEEK: ANDREA KOEPER

Andrea Koeper

School: Jackson

Sport: Volleyball

Coach: Nancy Ellis

Week Report: It's hard to believe that Andrea Koeper is a junior the way she has dominated the volleyball court this year. In three games and just six sets this past week, Koeper, a middle hitter, blasted 38 kills, including 16 against Perryville. She also hustled for 22 digs.

Season Report: Perhaps the best volleyball player in the region this year, Koeper, in 63 games, has 290 kills, 55 aces and 139 blocks. Koeper is the only returning starter from last year and has led her team to a 23-6-1 record. She is a three-year starter and pulled in all-conference, all-district and all-region honors as a sophomore.

Coach's Comments: "She played really well last week. I think she has a lot of room to grow and she'll get better because she works hard. With her work ethic, anything is possible. Her whole build is athletic. She was blessed with athletic ability. She has great coordination and she knows what it takes to be a good athlete. A lot of what she has you can't teach. I would say her front row play is her best, but she does so much in the back row also. She has a great serve and we're using her jump serve regularly now. Andrea can spot serve. She can serve to any spot on the floor. I'd say she is about 98 percent accurate. She is looking into college ball, but she is also good in basketball and she hasn't made up her mind yet what she wants to do. One of her best qualities is that she's a team player. She knows she can't do it by herself. With her attitude, you would never think she was the best. She doesn't have an air about her. And she expects the best out of herself."