L Ryleigh Powers, Sr., Tarpon Springs

As a captain this season, Ryleigh Powers has taken on more of a leadership role. She also has displayed her versatility, filling in as an outside hitter due to injuries.

But her primary role is on the defensive end. 

A three-year starter, Powers is one of the area’s best at keeping the ball in play. It is a skill she has developed since she started playing volleyball when she was 11 years old. 

Last week, Powers recorded 40 digs in 43 receptions in a five-set loss to Osceola. She has a combined 351 digs in the last two seasons. 

Powers excels off the court, too. A student in the veterinary program at the school, she spends her spare time volunteering at the Day and Evening Veterinary Clinic in Palm Harbor. 

Fans were impressed. Powers received 43 percent of the votes (1,813) in the Pinellas County volleyball player of the week poll to beat out St. Petersburg’s Jenna Davis, who had 34 percent (1,446 votes).