Each week four different athletes from four different schools compete for one title, The Des Moines Register’s Athlete of the Week. This week’s winner was senior Akeela Jefferson, who accumulated 47.5 percent of the votes. With Athlete of the Week under her belt, Jefferson is now in pursuit of a state title.

“My goal for the team this year is that we win a state championship. Getting 3rd place at state two years in a row is not good enough for me,” Jefferson said.

The Saints are beginning to make that dream a reality, by starting the season off 12-1 and winning the Warrior Invite. One of these victories included defeating 5A, 5th ranked Linn Mar.

Jefferson not only works on her game in season but during the off season too. She plays club volleyball for Adrenaline from November until July each year. She also works with a personal trainer to become a better athlete all around.

“She has the ability to impact the game as a server, blocker, attacker, and defender. She has a high IQ for the game and is a player we can lean on in difficult situations,” head volleyball coach Austin Filer said.

Her favorite part about volleyball is not her individual success but the time she spends on and off the court with her team.

“The best part about this sport is the connection that it gives me to my teammates. Team chemistry is a really big factor in how good your team is. I have been lucky enough to have great teammates for the past few years,” Jefferson said.

Jefferson, being one of five seniors, has stepped into a big leadership role this season. Her improvement on and off the court has not gone unnoticed by Coach Filer.

“I am proud of the athlete she has become, but more importantly, I am proud of her character,” Filer said.

The Saints played Western Dubuque at Xavier on Tuesday, September 11. They will play in a tournament at Benton on Saturday, September 15 starting at 9:00 a.m.