Emma Beck, a senior at Kenai Central and a key player on their volleyball team, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first from her school to be honored with the Gatorade Alaska Volleyball Player of the Year award. This recognition followed her pivotal role in leading Kenai Central to retain their title at the 3A Alaska state championship in the recent fall season.
Beck expressed her delight and gratitude for the honor, which came as a surprise to her. She found out she had won the award through a congratulatory message from a friend in Anchorage, and the news was later confirmed in calls from her brother and his friend.
Prior to the season’s start, Beck had set a personal goal to win the Gatorade award, among other objectives. Despite her confidence in her abilities and her team’s successful season, the award came as a pleasant surprise, given the strong competition in Alaska.
The Gatorade Player of the Year award is not solely based on athletic prowess; it also considers academic excellence and commendable character traits both on and off the court. Beck has exemplified these qualities, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA, serving as the student body president, and contributing to her community through volunteer work, including coaching middle school volleyball and fundraising for cancer research.
Beck believes that while athletic skill is important, the way one treats others is of greater lasting significance. This belief, instilled in her by her parents, has been integral to her recognition not just for her on-court achievements but also for her character.
During the fall 2023 season, Beck played a crucial role as an outside hitter, contributing significantly to Kenai Central’s impressive 51-5 overall record and a flawless 10-0 conference record. Her outstanding performance included 810 kills, an average of 5.9 kills per set, along with 352 digs, 100 aces, 90 blocks, 62 assists, and being named the 3A State Tournament Most Outstanding Hitter.
Her exceptional volleyball IQ and versatility on the court were highlighted by Mountain City Christian Academy coach Serge Duchatellier, who noted her ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively.
Beck’s achievement in winning this award marks a significant break in the trend, as she is the first recipient from a smaller school since Brooke Wegner of Valdez in 2004-05. This ends a 19-year sequence where the award was predominantly won by players from larger schools like South Anchorage or Dimond High.
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