Women's Volleyball | January 17, 2017

CHICAGO- Samantha Graver, an incoming freshman on the La Salle volleyball team was named the 2016-17 Gatorade Pennsylvania Volleyball Player of the Year, it was announced Tuesday.

The award recognizes student-athletes who display athletic excellence, exemplary character and academic achievement on and off the court. The program recognizes athletes from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia for this elite accolade.

The Parkland High School product is a 5-foot-10 outside hitter who recorded 617 kills, 243 digs and 27 aces this season for the Trojans (36-7-4).  She was an All-State Selection who led her team to the Class 4A state finals.

 Additionally, Graver was named District 11 MVP, Eastern Pennsylvania Conference MVP and the LehighValleyLive.com Volleyball Player of the Year.

"My staff and I would like to congratulate Sam on winning this outstanding honor and her excellent high school season," said La Salle head coach Caitlin Schweihofer. "We are excited to see what she can accomplish over her next four years as an Explorer."

Off the court, Graver maintains a 3.33 GPA and is a member of the Spanish Honor Society. She spends her free time volunteering locally for youth sports programs and tutoring elementary school children.

As a recipient of the Gatorade Player of the Year award, Graver will receive a $1,000 grant from the Gatorade Play It Forward program to donate to the national or local youth sports organization of her choice.