The Statesboro volleyball team recently captured their fifth region championship in the last 10 years. The Blue Devils knocked off Dalton to advance to the state Sweet 16, before falling to Blessed Trinity.

Head coach Bob Massee attributes much of the team’s success to the chemistry of the team and he believes much of that is due to the play and energy of junior middle hitter Nellie Watanabe.

“She is so coachable and always plays with a smile on her face,” Massee said. Anything you ask her to do she just does it. She's a complete team player. I'm pretty blessed that all our girls are team players.

“As a player, she's very bouncy. She's quick off the floor and has a great arm swing. She's got a high motor and is just a dependable player you can count on to help others.”

“I've really enjoyed volleyball this year,” Watanabe said. “It's been a season to remember. I feel like our team has worked really hard, so seeing where we are now gives me so much satisfaction, especially because of where we started as a team.

“There's been so much growth and I'm so grateful I was able to share it with my teammates and coaches.”