Josie Stander Female Athlete of the Week!!!

September 23, 2013 - At 5 feet, 4 inches tall, Josie Stander is one of the shortest players on the Marist volleyball team.

However, she certainly stood tall as she led the War Eagles to a strong finish at the Lovett Block Party Sept. 6 and 7.

With a number of front-row players out of the lineup due to injuries or illnesses, the senior setter was called to move up closer to the net.

Stander held her own as she recorded a block and a number of kills to help lead Marist to four wins in their six matches in the tournament.

“She found a way to score,” Marist coach Kendall Reid-Webster said. “I would say that Lovett was a great tournament for her, only because she had to do something she’s not used to doing on this team, since she’s not a hitter. But she did those things the team needed her to do. It was a really big deal for her and the team. It does wonders when you have your tiny, little player get a block and a kill.”

A three-year varsity player and a co-captain, Stander embraces her leadership role on the team, according to Reid-Webster.

“Josie’s best attribute is that she’s a really upbeat, positive player,” she said. “All the girls look to her — she’s always the loudest person on the bench. So I think her leadership skills and that she works really hard are her biggest qualities.”

Read more: Neighbor Newspapers - Female Athlete of the Week Josie Stander