Club Team Spotlight: Athena 16-2 Black
In this article:
The Athena 16 Black team has proven quite competitive this season, building on their success last season when Athena 16 Black finished an admirable 10th in the region. This season they have competed in the Open division, the only 16-2…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Athena 16 Black team has proven quite competitive this season, building on their success last season when Athena 16 Black finished an admirable 10th in the region. This season they have competed in the Open division, the only 16-2 team competing at this level. Coming in as the underdogs, they have had quite a few competitive matches and have been able to walk away with a handful of wins to hold onto the #22 seed heading into Regionals. This team is led by veteran Athena coach Tiffany Zwick, who has been with the club for 11 seasons and counting! Assisting her is Jeff Miller, who is in his second season with the club and just so happens to be the father of Greta Miller, who is on the team.
Kaitlin Boring Kaitlin Boring 5'6" | S Nelson | 2025 State OR
Kaitlin Boring Kaitlin Boring 5'6" | S Nelson | 2025 State OR
Boring has been utilized in a two-setter system opposite Greta Miller. When setting across the backrow, she demonstrates smart setting decisions, setting her attackers up for success. On the defensive end she plays all out, helping her team stay in rallies. From the service line she brings an aggressive float serve that garners plenty of service aces and disruptions.
Cooper has stepped into the primary libero role for the team. A consistent force across the backrow, she is a calm yet confident leader, anchoring the team from the backcourt. Unassuming, she is steady on serve receive and quick on defense, proving she is a force to be reckoned with.
Highlights
Horne is new to Athena, coming from OJVA 16-3, and has made an immediate and lasting impact for Athena 16 Black. Her blocking is the best part of her game, shutting down big hitters in big moments. She has showcased a lot of improvement as an attacker and proven to be an offensive threat. Typically going back to serve, she has a tough serve that has racked up lots of aces and disruptions.
Highlights
Miller has been utilized in a two-setter system opposite Kaitlin Boring Kaitlin Boring 5’6″ | S Nelson | 2025 State OR . Her calming presence on the court has been critical in this teams successes. She does a good job running the offense for the team, feeding the ball to her hot hitters and establishing the middles early on. Her aggressiveness as a setter has greatly improved this season which has led to her becoming an offensive threat.
Highlights
Paulson is an all-around asset for this team. As a six-rotation outside hitter, she is utilized in every aspect. From the front row, she is an offensive threat, with a fast arm and smart placement. Her serve receive and backcourt defense are consistent, allowing the team to stay in system. From the service line she brings a tough serve that has garnered lots of aces and disruptions. Paulson has been a major factor in this teams successes.
Highlights
Lia Wagner
Lia Wagner
Wagner has been utilized as a defensive specialist this season. New to the club, coming from OJVA 16-3, she has made an immediate impact on this teams and has greatly helped the team across the backrow. She showcases relentless pursuit on defense, making the unthinkable plays to keep the team in rallies. She is incredibly quick and does a great job reading the hitter, defending attacks from all angles.