Walton captain Celeste Fitzgerald’s strong serve isn’t the only reason she is the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Girls Athlete of the Week. Fitzgerald changed roles this season from setter to libero, a change that incorporates varying skill sets from one to the other.
“I’m impressed with her leadership role in the changing process and her hard work to get better,” said head coach Susanne Fitzgerald. “Multiple girls on the team are playing different positions this season and have stepped up selflessly and because of that, we have been more successful this season.”
Veterans are definitely a minority for the Walton team this year, with only two seniors on board. However, the young squad is very in sync with each other, surprising their opponents with how fast and quick they play points, a style that is very tough for opponents to defend.
On and off the court, Fitzgerald shows the qualities of a leader. “Celeste has a strong personality and her confidence helps her teammates,” explained Fitzgerald. “I’m impressed with her strength to step up to do the right thing, even if it’s not the most popular decision.”
This past week in a 2-0 sweep over Pope, the junior served up 12 aces in just 14 serve attempts as the Raiders rolled to a 25-14, 25-9 victory. In the All-City Play Date tournament in South Forsyth Saturday, the Lady Raiders played Johns Creek in a match they were more successful in than in last year’s tournament. Even with a smaller and less-experienced team, the Raiders have shown strength in their willingness to work as a team, in order to become a squad of power rather than numbers.
“They genuinely like each other and get along so well as a team,” said Fitzgerald.
The Raiders are currently 12-2 and ranked No. 1 in Class AAAAAA.
Loading ...
