Dimond’s Eleasha Sapon named Gatorade Alaska Volleyball Player of the Year

After leading the Dimond High volleyball team to a regional title and establishing herself as a top defensive specialist, senior Eleasha Sapon joined elite company by becoming the ninth player in program history to be named Gatorade Alaska Volleyball Player of the Year. Sapon was named the winner on Jan. 9.

The 5-foot senior libero led the Lynx to a 47-10-4 record and recorded 1,019 digs with an average of 7.1 per set. Sapon was named an American Volleyball Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-American. In the 4A state championship tournament, she earned All-Tournament Team honors after logging 78 aces and 94 assists.

“I honestly wasn’t expecting it because there were a lot of other incredible and hardworking players that were nominated,” she said. “For me, just having the chance to be a runner-up for the award was crazy enough. But when I woke up in the morning to a message from Gatorade on Instagram, I realized that I was chosen as Gatorade Player for volleyball in Alaska. I feel very honored to be given this award.”

Being selected for the award had been one of her top goals ever since she had learned about it, Sapon said, and the accomplishment made all of her hard work even more gratifying, given the unheralded position she plays.

“As important as every position is in volleyball, I feel like the liberos or defensive specialists aren’t given as much appreciation as they should being that our main job is to keep the ball from dropping on our side of the court no matter what; just sacrificing our bodies for the ball to stay in play,” Sapon said.

[Previously: Leaning on a young nucleus, Dimond volleyball is off to a strong start to 2024 season]

The award not only recognizes a student-athlete for their impressive feats of athleticism, it also acknowledges exceptional academic achievement and exemplary character displayed on and off the court.

Sapon maintained a 3.48 GPA and volunteered locally through the Dimond Key Club, serving homeless youths and underserved children during Halloween. She has also supported those youths through clothing drives and by handing out blankets during the winter months.

“There were many deserving athletes this year for sure but Eleasha has not only put in the work these past four years, but she is a person of high character, integrity and has shown amazing great leadership this year,” Dimond head coach Kim Lauwers said. “I’m just happy to see her succeed because of all the work she has put in not only as a volleyball player but as a student and person.”

Sapon is the third Lynx player in the last five years to receive this honor, joining Lauren Sulte (2022-23) and Kadyn Osborne (2020-21).