Heather Erickson from Fayetteville, North Carolina, had an outstanding season in 2016 as a member of the U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team. Her impressive performance led the team to three gold medals, including the program’s first-ever Paralympic Games title. Erickson’s contributions did not go unnoticed, as she was named the USA Volleyball Female Sitting Player of the Year.
Teammate Nicky Nieves from Kissimmee, Florida, was also recognized for her hard work and improvement, earning the title of USA Volleyball’s Female Sitting Most Improved Player of the Year. Together, Erickson and Nieves played key roles in the team’s success, securing a 21-3 overall record and winning titles at the World ParaVolley Intercontinental Cup, the Dutch Tournament, and the Paralympic Games.
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Erickson expressed her gratitude for receiving the award, recognizing the dedication and effort she and her team put into their success. She also acknowledged the support and sacrifices made in the years leading up to their victorious season. Nieves shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of hard work and personal improvement in achieving their goals.
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As Team USA’s captain, Erickson’s exceptional performance was further recognized with the 2016 Paralympic Games Most Valuable Player and Best Receiver honors. Her statistics at the Paralympics included 65 points, including 54 kills, seven blocks, and four aces, with impressive averages per set.
Erickson’s season-long contributions were not limited to her performance at the Paralympics. She recorded 230 kills, 43 blocks, and 25 aces, totaling 298 points throughout the season. Additionally, she demonstrated her defensive skills with 156 digs and 166 perfect passes.
Bill Hamiter, the head coach of the U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team, commended Erickson for her consistent high-level performance throughout the year. He acknowledged her attacking abilities as well as her contributions from the service line and other areas of the game. Hamiter expressed excitement to see how Erickson will continue to excel in the next quad.
In addition to her on-court success, Erickson was recognized as a finalist for two prestigious awards – an ESPY for “Best Female Athlete with a Disability” and the 2016 Sportswoman of the Year presented by the Women’s Sports Foundation.
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The 2016 season was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication for Erickson and her teammates. Their team-first mentality and selflessness played a significant role in their success. Erickson highlighted the diverse abilities of her teammates and their unwavering commitment to executing their roles to the best of their abilities.
Nieves, who made significant improvements in her attacking and service game, was also instrumental in the team’s success. Her aggressiveness and technical changes in her swing contributed to her personal growth as well as the team’s achievements.
Overcoming anxiety and pressure was a challenge for Nieves during the Paralympics, but she found solace in her faith and a favorite scripture. Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” – helped her navigate the high-stakes competition and perform at her best.
Erickson and Nieves’ achievements reflect the extraordinary commitment, skill, and determination of the U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team. Their success in 2016 was the result of years of preparation, teamwork, and unwavering dedication. As they look toward the future, they aim to build upon their achievements and continue their quest for excellence in sitting volleyball.
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