Student Athlete of the Week-Sam Stovall

                After a dismal two win season last year, outsiders immediately counted out the boys’ volleyball program.  However, new coach Neil Soto and the returning varsity players knew differently.   After doubling their win total from last year in just the first few weeks of the 2014 season, it is clear to see this is a program and a squad on its way to a brighter future.  Senior middle hitter Sam Stovall is one of those seniors who are helping turn the boys’ volleyball program around, and he is this week’s Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week.

                “Senioritis” is a word used during this time of year for senior students who may spend more time looking forward to future moments (prom, graduation, college), rather than academics.  Sam, however, is not a typical teenager.  This bright senior takes a course load that includes 5 advanced placement courses, is a member of four national honor societies, carries a 4.4 G.P.A., has earned a 33 on the ACT, and manages to fit volleyball into his ridiculously heavy schedule.  Also, he manages to find time to work at Crossroads Community church, where his father is the executive pastor.  While some of Sam’s classmates may be looking to the future, staying in the present has helped put Sam at the head of his class.

                According to Sam, his drive to succeed on the hardwood comes from his parents, who have always told him to work hard if he wants to achieve his goals.  His coach, Neil Soto, is a witness to Sam’s hard work ethic paying off.   “Sam moved from defensive specialist to middle hitter this year,” says Soto. Soto goes on to explain that, “this move is difficult for a player to do but Sam has a great work ethic and is very receptive to coaching. We are asking a lot out of him but he has stepped up and delivered. His mental toughness and determination to improve with every rep is what makes him such a great player to coach.”

                Obviously, Sam’s work ethic applies in the classroom as well.  Despite a challenging schedule for even the brightest students, Sam manages to keep a bright and happy demeanor and take it all in stride.  His advanced placement microeconomics teacher and business department chair, Dave Carlisle, sees the hard work Sam is putting in now as a strong indicator of future success.  “Sam is intrinsically motivated, bright, organized, and thoughtful,” says Carlisle.  He continues by saying “It is apparent he has thought a great deal on what he needs to do in order to be successful.”  As far as earning an M.B.A. at Arkansas University, Carlisle notes, “Successful financiers tend to be sharp, determined, and tireless. Standouts in the field also tend to have a penchant for innovation and marketing. I think Sam has those capabilities and is likely to do very well.”

                With an ACT score of 33 and a 4.4 G.P.A., Sam has the opportunity to forge an almost unlimited number of paths for his future.  He has decided he will continue his academic career next year at the University of Arkansas, which has an excellent business school and the added bonus of family nearby.  He also sees a possible future playing club volleyball for this SEC powerhouse, but understands there is still work to be done here at East.  Coach Soto sees Sam as one of the main reasons for the program’s turnaround noting, “Although Sam is not a captain, the players look to him for leadership and Sam exemplifies that leadership. He is always one of the first at practice setting up the net, first in line to start drills, and is always encouraging his teammates to do better.”