By Christine Jinbo

With some states in preseason and others in full swing, the volleyball standout athlete of the week comes to us from the state of Texas, where the season officially opened August 3.  Elyse Burkert (Richardson, Texas) earned the honor of the ESPN RISE Volleyball Athlete of the Week with her extraordinary performance at the Pearland Classic Volleyball Tournament.

	Courtesy Pearce Athletic Dept.
	Elyse Burkert named MVP of the Pearland Classic.

The senior 5-foot-10 outside hitter led J.J. Pearce (Richardson, Texas) to the championship of the Pearland Classic and made tournament history as the first 4A team to win the 76-team tournament. Burkert received MVP honors in the effort as the Mustangs defeated the No. 1 ranked team in Texas, San Antonio Reagan (San Antonio, Texas).

A two-sport athlete, Burkert began swimming at age six and began to play volleyball at age nine.  She earned four varsity letters with the swim team and her favorite memory, despite competing in the 200-meter relay in two state competitions, is being on the same team with her sister.

"I loved it that I had the chance to swim with my sister when she was a senior and I was a freshman," said Burkert.

In fourth grade, she played volleyball in the Plano Sports Authority (PSA) Leagues.  By fifth grade she became a self-proclaimed "ball-hog."

"My mom and dad moved me into club because … the coach kept telling me I had to let other people get the ball.  My parents felt I was ready to move on to club," Burkert said.

The Pearland MVP was unsure about her collegiate prospects until last year when she traveled to the USA Junior Olympic Volleyball Championships with her club team, Dallas Premier 17 Mizuno.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Nominations for the Player Spotlight of the Week on ESPN RISE Volleyball must compete with other national candidates and with staff recommendations.  Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton, Ill.) Head Coach Bill Schreier nominated two players, both worthy of national recognition.  With a plate full of candidates, two from No. 4 Wheaton Warrenville South made the cut. (Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Neill Nystrom of Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton, Ill.) High School, a 6-foot-10 senior outside hitter is this week's ESPN RISE Volleyball player spotlight of the week and a diamond in the rough.  Named to the all tournament team at the Richards Invitational where the Tigers bested ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 7 Marist (Chicago) and No. 10 Glenbard East (Lombard), Wheaton Warrenville South took home the tournament crown.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Matt Mirick of ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 2 Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.) is one of two honorees this week

	Leonard Xu
	Mirick, from Loyola High School to Loyola University, Cub to Rambler

for the ESPN RISE Volleyball Spotlight Player of the Week.  The 6-foot-1 senior setter from the volleyball mecca of Manhattan Beach (Calif.) leads the Mission League with an average of 47 assists per match.   

Mirick learned the sport at age 12 when he played on the beach with his dad, Larry. Both of Mirick's parents, Larry and Christine, are big influences in their son's life and founded, MB Surf, a volleyball club based on teaching the fundamentals of the sport.

When asked who inspires him, Mirick answers simply, "My dad.  My high school and club coaches,” as those who inspire him.

As a setter and three-year starter on the varsity squad, Mirick's leadership is integral to the team's success. Loyola Head Coach, Mike Boehle commented on Mirick's role on the team.

"Matt has been our leader day in and day out running our offense and keeping the team focused throughout the year."

Boehle continued, "Being a three-year starter, his experience and leadership are two great qualities to have in a guy who constantly has the ball in his hands.&qu...

(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Gregory Herceg of St. Ignatius (Cleveland, Ohio) High School is one of two honorees for the ESPN RISE Volleyball player spotlight of the week.  The 6-foot-4, senior opposite hitter broke the all time school record for kills with 18, in a three set match and earned all tournament honors for his performance at the Wolf Classic (Worthington, Ohio).

	Courtesy St. Ignatius Athletic Dept.
	Herceg has twice broken the school record for kills this season.

Herceg, like our other ESPN RISE Volleyball honoree exhibits excellence in his athletic and academic performances and volunteers in the community.  The Ohio Northern commit, like many athletes who dedicate themselves to excellence, is a team player, a dual sport athlete, a honor roll student and dedicates time to service in the community.

As team captain, Herceg sets the standard for leadership and support for his teammates.

"When Greg gets a kill, he celebrates loudly." remarked head coach Casey Marcelo on Herceg's team mentality.

Marcelo continued, "But what's more impressive is that he celebrates louder when a teammate does something equally well."

"Greg respects his teammates and provides positive leadership and support in practice and in games," admired Marcelo.

A dual sport athlete, Herceg was the goalkeeper for the Wildcats' soccer team and ended his soccer career with an Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Div. I state championship.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Eric Mochalski of Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) High School is one of two honorees this week for the ESPN RISE Volleyball player spotlight of the week.  The 6-foot-5, junior recently switched positions from the outside to the middle.  Although this change seems drastic for any athlete, Mochalski took it in stride and earned MVP honors at the Karch Kiraly Tournament of Champions (Santa Barbara, Calif.) in the new spot.  

	Leonard Xu for ESPN RISE
	Mochalski skys above the net for the Mustangs.

Mira Costa Co-Head Coach Mike Ninnis commented about the transition the coaches asked of Mochalski.

"When asked to switch positions midway through the season, Eric didn't hesitate, knowing that his sacrifice would strengthen the team.”  

Ninnis continued about Mochalski's unselfish play, "He does not need reminding that his success is dependent upon every member of this team."

"He is unselfishly dedicated to making his team better," he added.

Although the switch to the middle blocker position came midyear, it was not an unfamiliar position to the gifted athlete.  Last year as a sophomore, Mochalski started at middle for the Mustangs on their CIF Southern Section Div. I championship team and earned the Rookie of the Year award.  During the club season, he made the switch to outside.

The middle position, often deemed the hardest working position, requires athletes who fill the role to have the right mindset. 

"Eric is not only athletically gifted, but is constantly driven to improve upon all aspects of his game," commented Ninnis.   (Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Anthony Randolph of Bishop Watterson (Columbus, Ohio) High School received this week's honor as the player spotlight of the week for ESPN RISE Volleyball.  So far this season, the 6-foot-5 senior's all around play contributed to an impressive stat list. In his first five matches, Randolph collected: 76 kills, 15.2 kills per match average, .406 kill percentage, 14 aces, 26 blocks, 55 digs and 97 percent passing accuracy.

	Stephen C. Hood
	IPFW bound Anthony Randolph goes for the angle kill.

Bishop Watterson Head Coach Larry Worth stresses the importance of leadership with Randolph.

"We talk a lot about leaving your legacy through those you lead, rather than the stats you produce.  He has really latched onto this belief."

Worth continued, "Through becoming more passionate about this leadership, his overall performance on the court has really gone to the next level."

Last year as a junior, Randolph received first team all-state honors and East Region Central Ohio Player of the Year as well as being selected the team MVP.

Randolph began playing volleyball in sixth grade.  

"My older brothers played and got me into it," said Randolph.

The 6-foot-5 outside hitter committed to play at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) and follow in his brother Mike's footsteps.

The IPFW bound senior reflected on his goals and influences and continued, "I want to be the best player possible.  My brothers and high school coach inspire me to work hard to accomplish my goals."

When Randolph looked into schools for college he kept it all in the family.

"My brother (Mike) played at IPFW a few years ago.  I was looking into many different schools to play, when Mike talked to the coaches at IPFW. I visited campus and I loved it!  I made my decision that weekend."

Worth commented on Randolph's impact as a player.

"It has been a pleasure to witness Anthony mature into the player and person he is today.  What impresses me the most about Anthony, this season, is his transformation into the leader his team needs him to be." (Read full post)