Shaylee Leiker from Ellsworth was voted as the Salina Area Preseason Volleyball Player of the Year.

Leiker, who is a senior, was a first team all-league selection as a sophomore and a junior and was an honorable mention all-league selection as a freshman.

“It means so much to me that so many people voted,” Leiker said.

“The amount of people really shocked me and it was so good to see my community supporting me like that. I am very thankful.”

Last season, Leiker had a serving percentage of 96 percent, a 91 percent serve receive efficiency, a 91.7 percent attack efficiency, 3.5 kills per set and 4 digs per set.

“Volleyball has been a passion for me since I was very young,”

Leiker said. “I started playing on a club team during sixth grade and I’ve loved it ever since then. I love the feeling I get from the
game.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has given Leiker a new perspective on the season and to not take for granted anytime she has on the court.

“I want to show positive leadership and encourage my teammates,” Leiker said. “I want to live in the moment and enjoy all the time I get in this season, since we’ll never know what’s going to happen next.”