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Kelsey AndersonVolleyball

Naples, Italy

Last week: Anderson, a junior transfer from London Central, had 20 assists, nine kills and two blocks in the Wildcats’ 3-1 road victory Saturday over Division III power Sigonella.

“Kelsey has added a new dimension to our team in a tall player who can hit, block, serve and set with equal skill,” Naples coach Eric Vining wrote in an e-mail. “Her play has helped bring the level of play of the whole team up.

“No place is this more evident that when she teamed with Renna [Damon] in Saturday’s match. Renna was on the receiving end of most of the assists, finishing with 16 kills. ... Together, they make a powerful hitting combination.”

Just how powerful Anderson, a second-team All-European in 2004, and Damon will turn out to be should become clear next month. Naples will host Aviano, currently riding a 72-match winning streak against conference opposition, on Oct. 22.

“Courtney has so many of the qualities coaches hope for in athletes. She has such a positive attitude and strong work ethic. I can tell her something once, she does it and she doesn’t forget. She obviously works well under pressure, and what a pressure situation we put her in. She is only going to get better from here.”

— Selected by Stars and Stripes staff

Jared WatersFootball

AFNORTH

Last week: Waters, a 5-foot-8, 155-pound senior running back, ran 12 times for 305 yards — 25.4 yards per carry — and scored four TDs last in the Lions’ 39-16 victory at Alconbury.

Waters upped his rushing total to 593 yards on 33 carries, an 18-yard average, after two games.

“He never ran the ball [against Alconbury] in the fourth quarter,” AFNORTH coach Greg Blankenship said, “because we were ahead 39-8.”

Waters’ efforts helped give AFNORTH a 2-0 record going into its home opener Saturday against Brussels. But athletic records aren’t the only aspect of his team captain that impresses Blankenship.

“He is a leader in the classroom, active with charity groups and relentless on the football field,” Blankenship said. “As a coach/teacher you cannot replace a Jared Waters. Just enjoy the blessing while he is at your school.”

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