When Amanda played for Vienna Elite 14 she practiced at a court next to mine. She always showed up 30 minutes early to get extra touches with her father or another coach providing the tosses. At practice no player showed more hustle than Amanda.

She went to Paramount the next year where she played for the second team. Her height now lists at 5’10”, with a decent approach jump of 9’6″. That is decent enough to stay right side when in the front row or setting a 5/1.

Last year she set a 6/2 for Paul VI, leading them to a WCAC championship. She also set them to a second place finish in the VISAA state championships. It has been a few years since they have achieved this much success.

Amanda has committed to Georgetown. She ranks as the # 12 setter in the class of 2028. Natalie Nguyen currently plays there. She set for Flint Hill, Metro and for a 13 team I coached when she was a 12U. Libero Karis Park is another player who played on a 13U team I coached that played for Georgetown. The other current local player still on the roster is Maria Flippova who played for Metro/MVSA and Northwest. Amanda will be the third Vienna Elite player competing for Georgetown.

Amanda works hard at her craft. It is not unusual to see her on the court 30 minutes before practice starts working with a coach on improving a specific skill. Currently she shares setting duties with Iris Jin Iris Jin 5'7" | S/RS Thomas Jefferson | 2028 State VA on the Paramount second team.

The challenge for her is rising to the varsity level with Paul VI to take on a setters role. Last year the Panthers carried three setters on their varsity roster. One of them graduates after the 2025 season ends.

She shows quickness on the court. Her biggest skill to work on is the consistency with her location. She also needs to work on the quick tempo sets.

One thing to know about Amanda is she works hard at her craft. There are few players who work harder. It is not uncommon to see her arrive a half hour before practice starts to get some early work on her setting. At 5’9″ she brings some height to the position. There still appears some growth left in her as well.

As a frosh she needs the playing experience to eliminate the rawness in her game. This would allow her to achieve more consistency in the location of her sets. Playing for Paramount should address that. While she may play for the second team with Iris Jin their schedule appears competitive. Last year’s 14 two team qualified for Junior Nationals, A number of those players have returned to the team.