Contact: Jenni Brockman
Telephone: 804-443-3357 (w); 804-443-2703 (h)
Fax: 804-443-6781
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cynthia Walker Named Virginia High School Girls Volleyball Player of the Year
Cynthia Walker, a standout varsity volleyball student-athlete at St. Margaret's School has been named the 1998 Gatorade Circle of Champions Virginia High School Girls Volleyball Player of the Year. Cynthia is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William M. Walker of Warsaw, VA.
(l. to r.) St. Margaret's athletic director Sue Saunders congratulates Cynthia Walker on being named the 1998 Gatorade Circle of Champions Virginia High School Girls Volleyball Player of the Year.
As a state winner, Walker qualifies as a contender for one of eight Regional and one National Girls Volleyball Player of the Year awards. Gatorade, a corporation firmly committed to supporting young athletes and recognizing outstanding achievement, donates $500 annually to each state high school athletic association in conjunction with the Gatorade Circle of Champions program.
Since it began in 1985, the Gatorade Circle of Champions program has become the premier award for showcasing high school student-athletes nationwide. "It [the Circle of Champions Award] becomes a prominent part of an athlete's resume," comments Bruce Moran, Sports Editor, Star-Ledger, Newark, NJ.
The Gatorade Advisory Board looks at athletic success as a major factor, but academics and overall character are vital selection criteria as well. The roster of past National Gatorade Circle of Champions winners offers a revealing look at student athletes on top of their game-Marion Jones ('91,'92,'93, Track & Field), Peyton Manning ('93, Football), and Alonzo Mourning ('88, Boys Basketball) for starters.
Walker, a three-time MVP, has been an All-State selectee each of her four high school seasons since joining the team as an eighth grader during the 1994-95 season. At 6'2", whether at the high school level or playing right-side hitter for the Richmond Volleyball Club, Walker is a tough presence to contend with.
"Cynthia's accomplishments are a direct reflection upon and a credit to St. Margaret's athletic program," says Bill Schmidt, Vice President, Gatorade Worldwide. Athletic Director Sue Saunders responds, "Athletes like Cynthia don't come around too often. I am so happy to have had Cynthia here as a part of our program. I know she will achieve great things at the next level. We are going to miss her."
Last week, Walker signed a letter of intent with the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she will play for the fourth-ranked Florida Gators volleyball team. Three players, including two from Central Florida, joined Walker in signing national letters of intent last week.
"Overall this class might be the most athletic class we have ever signed at UF," says Head Coach Mary Wise. "All four players can jump reach 10 feet or higher. There is no question this class will have a huge impact on our program before their careers are finished."
Walker's 1999 recruiting class will join a UF squad coming off its third straight and fifth-ever NCAA Final Four appearance as well as eight straight Southeastern Conference Championships. Walker will be the tallest player on the 1999 Gator squad. "Cynthia plays well above the top of the net. She has all the tools to be a dominating player at the collegiate level," says Wise.
