Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s Lindsay Knierbein was named the Duke Automotive-Suffolk News-Herald player of the week after she scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in an overtime win against First Colonial. She also had the game-winning steal to seal the game.

Lindsay Knierbein is a senior at NSA and is a member of both the volleyball and basketball teams. The senior is currently in basketball season, where the Lady Saints are 5-5. Knierbein helped NSA to what is possibly their toughest win of the season.

The Lady Saints were at home in a back-and-forth battle against First Colonial High School on Jan. 4. NSA won the game in overtime by a score of 54-51. Knierbein had 18 points for the game to go along with 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t the double-double that was impressive. It was the game-clinching steal Knierbein had with the score at 52-51 that led to her making the game-sealing free throws.

“I was really just focused on playing defense on my girl,” Knierbein said. “Once I saw they were going for a long pass I thought I’d try to steal it. As far as the free throws, we were only up one, so I wanted to make sure we increased our lead.”

This year, Knierbein has been embracing a new role. As a senior on the team, she has more responsibilities in the leadership department than she has in previous years. She is allowing herself to lead by example on and off the court.

Knierbein describes her style of play as aggressive and centered around hustling. She has a passion for the sports she plays. Naturally, she is a competitive person, so competition motivates her as well as her teammates. The NSA senior’s family and friends inspire her to be the best she can be.

“My parents are my biggest supporters,” Knierbein said. “My dad has coached me throughout the years and has taught me a lot. My teammates and friends keep me going as well. I’ve made some of my best friends through sports.”

“Lindsay is an incredible player,” teammate Logan Harrell said. “She has stepped up this season and is setting an example for the younger girls to follow. I’ve played with her since JV, and I’m amazed at the player she has worked and improved to become the player she is now.”

Her goals coming into the season were to always play her hardest while also making good memories with her teammates. Even though NSA lost some talented players last year, the senior wants to be able to show people they can still be a good team.

“I’m definitely having fun with my teammates,” Knierbein said. “I’m hoping we as a team can be competitive and successful as a team in TCIS play this year.”

In her spare time, Knierbein can be found mostly around friends and family, but she also volunteers and plays the piano. She is undecided on where she will attend school but is likely to major in either sports management or communications studies.

Knierbein and NSA will be back in action at home Tuesday against Norfolk Collegiate. The game starts at 5:30 p.m.