Player of the Week: September 5, 2011

Each Monday in the fall, one collegiate player originally reported as a recruit by AVSR is named AVSR Player of the Week for her performance in the past week and current season.

Player of the Week:Maryna Samoday

Seminole State College (NJCAA)
Sophomore; 5' 11½"Left- and Right-Side Hitter
Home:Sumy, Ukraine
Reported by AVSR:October 2009
See Maryna Samoday's bio at the SSC web site.

Last week’s action:
• Drilled 58 kills at a .557 rate and served 23 aces (1.4/set) as SSC defeated Pratt, Frank Phillips, Paris, NMMI and Oklahoma Baptist’s varsity reserve.
• Leads the nation’s junior college attackers and servers this season, scoring 118 kills at .551 efficiency and firing 43 aces (1.4/set). Seminole State stands at 8-1.
• Was named NJCAA Region 2 Most Valuable Player last year as a freshman.
• The Samoday family had a big weekend. Maryna's brother, Valeriy, won the Under-21 World Beach Championship in Halifax, Canada. He won the Under-19 World Championship in 2009.

Excerpt from original AVSR report (2009):
"Sleek athlete and long-time player from an elite volleyball family. .... Creative, dynamic attacker with a fast, easy swing and sophisticated shotmaking skills. .... World-class beach player."

Special Mention:Natasa Kolunija

Troy University
Senior; 6' 2½"Right-Side Hitter
Home:Novi Beograd, Serbia
Reported by AVSR:January 2008
See Natasa Kolunija's bio at the Troy University web site.

Last week’s action:
• Boosted Troy to four victories while attacking at .346 efficiency against Tennessee State, Mercer, Alabama State and Norfolk State.
• Was named to the Mercer Bear Brawl All-Tournament team.
• Led Troy as a junior last year in total kills, kills per set and hitting efficiency.

Excerpt from original AVSR report (2008):
"Mature, versatile player and a powerful, mobile athlete. .... Hits hard from everywhere. .... Most experienced at MB but has played mainly RH and LH the past two years.”