Priscilla Sivonen was the player to watch for the Black Forest Academy Falcons this season, eventually helping the team to a DODEA-Europe Division II girls volleyball title. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)

Stepping onto the campus of Black Forest Academy with the last name of Sivonen comes with a set of expectations.

Over the past few years, brothers Barney and Timothy Sivonen helped the boys volleyball program to multiple DODEA European crowns. Both are back in their native Finland, where they continue to play after graduating.

When junior Priscilla attended the boarding school based in Kandern, Germany, she felt the weight of that pressure the first couple of years. That weight lifted this fall when she was the only one standing.

“People knew me because of my brothers, but now I feel like I’ve been strong enough to (be known for myself),” Sivonen said. “(They’re) not here anymore, which is kind of sad, but I’ve also had to step up for myself and not just rely on my brothers.”

Boy, did Sivonen step up.

The 5-foot-9 opposite hitter lit up DODEA-Europe’s Division II, leading the Falcons to a championship Nov. 8 in Vicenza, Italy.

She amassed 198 kills with a .270 hitting efficiency and added 50 aces on 91% on serves. And she was named the Division II tournament MVP.

Because of her success on the court, Stars and Stripes picked Sivonen as the 2025 European girls volleyball Athlete of the Year.

Even without her brothers around this fall, she thanked them for helping mold her into the player she is. She also has banked on the experience of her father, Mikko, who played collegiate volleyball at Cal Baptist University – where he met Heidi, his wife.

“We push each other forward a lot,” Sivonen said of her family. “It’s not just, ‘Let’s just try to get to this level and we’re good.’ We keep pushing each other, which is really good.”

One area Sivonen said she’s really improved has been on the defensive side, especially in the back row.

It showed in the stat sheets. Sivonen recorded 217 digs and a 2.4 pass percentage and 2.1 serve-receive-pass percentage. The pass rating goes from zero to three, with zero being a kill or ace and three a perfect pass. The team average is around 1.7, while anything above 2 is considered good.

Sivonen stressed the importance of being able to play all six positions on the court.

“When you know that person is all around good, it’s hard to pick on that person,” she said. “Everyone has something to grow on, but it’s really hard to pick on that person, get points on her.”

She also has a physical trait that gives her advantage over many of her competitors: She’s a southpaw.

Sivonen said she didn’t think much about being left-handed until DODEA coaches brought it up. She then began to see opponents taking notice.

“If I play other lefties, I also don’t realize that,” Sivonen said. “I can’t really see the difference.”

All that added up for a magical season for the Falcons. They went 4-4 during the regular season with a 2-4 mark against Division I opposition – including a 1-2 record against big-school finalist Stuttgart.

They slipped through the Division II qualifying tournament in Vicenza on Oct. 31-Nov. 1 via a three-way tie. The following weekend at the European tournament, the Falcons soared, winning all 12 sets to run away with the title.

The victory exorcised the runner-up finishes from the previous two seasons. It also highlighted BFA’s depth, as Sivonen injured her ankle late in the first set and hobbled through the rest of the match.

“Like my coach has described it, I might lead, but my team is coming beside me,” Sivonen said. “It’s not like I’m dragging them, and it’s not like I’m the only good player. My team keeps pushing me forward and I keep pushing them forward.”

Looking ahead, Sivonen isn’t shy about wanting to follow in her father’s and brothers’ footsteps in pursuing volleyball.

She mentioned looking at her parents’ alma mater, Cal Baptist. But she said she’s got some way to go.

“I definitely have to work for it,” Sivonen said. “I have to get my vertical higher because I’m not that tall for a volleyball player in college, but doors are open.”