Steph Shickel is hard to miss on the volleyball court. The Turner Ashby High School student says the game is something that's always been a part of her life.

“Ever since I've been little, we would just get a volleyball out after dinner and go out and play,” said Steph.

Her coach says her presence on the court and with the team brings excitement to each match and practice.

“Steph definitely doesn't have a filter, she has no problem saying things at practice that other people would not ever think about saying, but she does it in a way where it comes across as being hysterical. She keeps everyone loose and on their toes,” said Steph's Volleyball Coach Gina Troyer.

She has led the Knights in blocks, assists and kills this season.

She excels just as well in the classroom.

“I always like getting As, because I just, it bothers me when I can't get an A. But it doesn't rule my life, because that's not the most important thing, enjoying my senior year and enjoying high school while I'm still a young person, and not old and have to go to work,” said Steph.

She has a 3.8 GPA, ranked 24th in her class and is a member of several clubs, including the National Honor Society.

“Stephanie is a young lady who truly embodies what a high school student athlete is all about. She's a young lady that just has fun. She works hard in school, she works hard at sport but she has a great perspective on it. She enjoys everything about high school,” said Turner Ashby Principal Steve Walk.

As for the future, her high school experience may shape her career.

“I definitely want to go to college, I'm not sure where yet. I'm thinking about majoring in kineseology to be a PE teacher and then ultimately I want to be a principal of a high school. My whole life I've had awesome administrators and principals and I just love high school, it's the best thing ever, so I want to stay here,” said Steph.

Steph's performance on the volleyball court and in the classroom is why she is WHSV's Student Athlete of the Week for Nov. 17.

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