Pitman High's Lindsey Vander Weide is a force to be reckoned with on the court.
The Pride senior has helped Pitman win four consecutive Central California Conference championships — with an undefeated league record in the last three years — and has already committed to play at the University of Oregon.
Now, as she prepares for the final playoff run of her high school career, Vander Weide can also add the title of All-American to her list of accomplishments. The American Volleyball Coaches Association recently selected Vander Weide as an Under Armour Girls High School All-America, a group made up of 150 seniors from 139 high schools across 36 states.
“I had no idea that I was even in the running to get this. Pontes just told me a couple of days ago. I was shocked and I was happy that I got it.”Vander Weide said. “It's a blessing to know that I'm up there with all the top players.”
Vander Weide was also ranked as the 13th senior ace in the nation by prepvolleyball.com in September.
“She has worked very hard, has the natural talent, and has also put in a lot of hours in the gym,” Pitman head volleyball coach Kristen Pontes said. “She works year round. She's come a long way and she definitely deserves it. She's an all around talent and an all around athlete.”
Vander Weide will hit the court again on Tuesday in the first round of the CIF Division I Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs. With a stat line of 319 kills, 190 digs, 27 blocks and 17 aces through 69 sets, the 6'3” senior is undoubtedly considered to be one of the top players in the tournament.
“We know a lot of these teams and we know that we can take them on. Some of them are going to be really good fights but we know we can do it if we play our best game,” Vander Weide said.
Pitman, seeded first in the tournament with a 37-1 overall record, will host Tuesday's match with a start time of 7 p.m.