Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s Nicole Wright was voted Duke Automotive-Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Week after having 33 assists and 10 digs in a state semifinal match against Peninsula Catholic.

Wright is a senior volleyball player for NSA. The Lady Saints wrapped up their season last week as they finished as runners-up in the VISAA Division II state championship. In the semifinals, the players played in what they crowned as their best game of the season. They defeated Peninsula Catholic 3-0.

“I believe we played our best game of the season,” Wright said. “Everyone was excited for every point we played. Just to have gotten as far as we did in the state tournament was exciting.”

Though NSA didn’t achieve the goal Wright had in mind, which was a state championship, she was satisfied with how the season went.

“Although this was my last season, I would not have wanted it any other way,” Wright said. I love my team, my coach, and experiences all along the way. Even though we didn’t receive a title this year. I’m confident to say we worked our hardest and still had a very successful season.”

One of Wright’s goals was to win a Player of the Week award, and she is thankful for the opportunity to do so.

“This was one of the things I wanted to accomplish this season,” Wright said about her winning Player of the Week. “I want to thank the people in my community and the family who helped me reach that.”

Wright is driven by her strong desire to win, which motivates her to be the best teammate she can be. She also wants to work just as hard off of the court as she does on the court.

Success inspires her. She knows it takes a lot of hard work and determination to achieve success, which keeps her going. Her coach, Robyn Ross, is her biggest role model, and Wright credits her for teaching her things she can take beyond volleyball.

“I loved watching her grow as a player and person these past several years,” Ross said. “She showed up this year to two-a-days in the best shape of her life. She is a quiet leader and one that led by example this year. I could not be more proud of Nicole and all the recognition she has earned this year. Oftentimes, setters are overlooked because their job is not flashy and many don’t understand that it is the hardest position on the court. I am thrilled she has gotten some of the limelight this year, because it is well earned.”

During her time in the NSA volleyball program, Wright won a state championship her first year. She has also been named to all-conference and all-state teams. In her spare time, she works part-time at the YMCA and enjoys hanging out with family and friends.

Though she has not yet decided where she will attend college, she plans to major in business with a minor in Spanish.