MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN (May 17, 2021)– The JVA is pleased to announce the 2021 Ultra Ankle® JVA AthLeaders who exemplify academic excellence, outstanding volleyball performance, leadership, responsibility, and selflessness through community service.
This group of athletes includes male and female indoor and beach student athletes from across the country who were nominated by a JVA Club Director and selected by the JVA Awards committee from a long list of nominees.
“We are in awe of these 22 honorees who have excelled academically, displayed leadership in their community, and exhibited responsibility and selflessness during such a challenging, tumultuous year,” states JVA Director of Member Development Lisa Wielebnicki. “Through online learning, cancelled seasons, constant change, and social distancing, these student athletes didn’t drop a beat as they maintained the highest GPAs, led through example, and gave back to their community. We are so proud of their achievements!”
We will honor the recipients of this award during the Virtual JVA Player Awards Reception in late July 2021. Click HERE to learn more about the Ultra Ankle® JVA AthLeader Award.
2021 Ultra Ankle® JVA AthLeaders
Cara Atkinson – 2021 Middle Blocker. Alabama Performance (AL)
Kate Aupperle – 2021 Setter. Illini Elite VBC (IL)
Libby Barrineau – 2024 Outside Hitter/Libero. Carolina One Volleyball (SC)
Grace Boles – 2021 Setter. River City Juniors (NE)
Tess Bottoms – 2022 Libero/Defensive Specialist. Ultimate Volleyball Club (IL)
Franklin Davis – 2023 Libero/Defensive Specialist. Triangle Volleyball Club (NC)
Audrey DellaVedova – 2022 Opposite/Right Side. Tstreet Volleyball Club (CA)
Elizabeth Feczko – 2021 Libero/Defensive Specialist. Pittsburgh Elite Volleyball (PA)
Jordan Grosser – 2022 Outside Hitter. Encore Volleyball Club (CA)
Jessica Horwath – 2023 Outside Hitter. 1st Alliance Volleyball Club (IL)
Olivia Kelly – 2024 Setter/Opposite. Alabama Performance (AL)
Brooklyn Kusler – 2021 Outside Hitter. Kusler Klinics Volleyball Club (SD)
Kaya Lobo – 2021 Beach Athlete. Tamarack Beach Volleyball Club (CA)
Jillian Nichols – 2022 Outside Hitter/Opposite. Warriors Volleyball Club (NY)
Lily Ray – 2022 Setter. Club 1 VBC (IL)
Caroline Robinson – 2021 Setter. Alabama Performance (AL)
Drew Rogers – 2022 Outside Hitter. Club 1 VBC (IL)
Sydney Ross – 2023 Middle Blocker. Triangle Volleyball Club (NC)
Riley Tucker – 2023 Middle Blocker. Triangle Volleyball Club (NC)
Avery Wolff – 2021 Setter/Outside Hitter. Kusler Klinics Volleyball Club (SD)
Tia Zanderson – 2023 Opposite/Right Side. Eich’s Volleyball Club (CO)
Jacqueline Zapanta – 2021 Libero/Defensive Specialist. Elevation Volleyball Club (CO)
Congratulations to the 2021 Ultra Ankle® JVA AthLeaders. We are eager to see where your journey takes you as you continue on the exemplary paths you are on.
To view more information on each honoree, click HERE. For more related reading on JVA awards click HERE.
About Ultra Ankle® – The Leader in Performance Ankle Bracing
Ultra Ankle braces are on in seconds, protect you for hours, and last for years. The Ultra Zoom by Ultra Ankle is the parent-recommended ankle brace in volleyball because it lasts 2-3 years and uses your body heat to form to you. It allows your ankle to move in all the natural ways while helping to restrict any excessive movement that may result in an ankle sprain. With Ultra Ankle you’ll play better and play more, losing less time to injuries. Learn more at ultraankle.com
About the Junior Volleyball Association
The Junior Volleyball Association (JVA) is a non-profit organization that promotes the growth of youth and junior volleyball through program and resource development, education and events. The organization was formed in 2006 with a primary focus of being a voice for junior volleyball club directors and coaches, and to this day, with nearly 1,300 clubs, is the only organization that is focused entirely on youth and junior volleyball.
