Islander’s leadership has helped to change two sports programs at the school

By Matt Phelps
Mercer Island Reporter

As a sophomore, Amanda Nield walked onto the Mercer Island volleyball team and became the starting setter. As a freshman, she started for the Islander girls basketball team. In both sports she has become a team leader and a key to both programs’ success.

Nield’s position as setter for volleyball and guard for basketball have meant that she had to learn to take on leardership roles early in her high school career.

“I’ve always been the smallest one on the basketball team,” said Nield. “With volleyball, I touch the ball every time. You have to talk and keep communication going with the rest of the girls.”

This season the volleyball team enjoyed great success, even boasting a 20-0 mark at districts. With Nield as starting setter, the team has made it to the state tournament all three years. During Nield’s freshman and junior seasons, the Islanders placed eighth at state. They were tied for the second best finish in school history.

“I was very disappointed to not place [at state] during my senior year, but this has been a great season,” said Nield, who was named to the all-KingCo first team. “It felt really good to know that people saw what was going on.”

Nield started playing volleyball when her mother “forced” her and her older sister Ashley to try a volleyball camp when Amanda was in the seventh grade.

“I really enjoy the atmosphere in volleyball,” said Nield.

She eventually joined her sister, who played for Mercer Island High School.

But her father, Tom, was the biggest influence for Nield.

“He got us all into sports,” said Nield. “He always wants me to go out and play tennis with him. He really inspires me.”

Tom Nield’s love for sports and physical activities rubbed off on his daughter.

“I love basketball because you get to run a lot and you really have to keep in shape,” said Nield, who discovered basketball in fifth grade during P.E. class and never looked back.

A combination of her talent and ability to overcome athletic struggles allowed Nield to earn a spot on the varsity roster her freshman year. By her sophomore year, she was starting.

“I just try to relax and have fun with sports, especially basketball,” said Nield. “It is a place where I can relieve stress.”

During the past three seasons the girls basketball team has gone from the bottom of KingCo to qualifying for the district playoff last year.

Nield admitted that she looks up to Jamie Prescott, the team’s head coach.

“She is always pushing us to get better,” said Nield.

Nield’s on-the-court bond with teammate Janelle Chow — both in volleyball and basketball — is obvious.

“I just know where she is going to be,” said Nield, who has played with Chow during the past three years.

That bond will be put to the test this season as both will have to lead a young basketball team.

Off the court, Nield is in running start at Bellevue Community College and intends to finish her Associate of Arts before moving on to a four-year college. As a full-time student at BCC, Nield would like to play volleyball for the school and try to earn a spot at a four-year school.

But for now, Nield is focused on the 2007-2008 basketball season and guiding the Islanders back to the district playoffs.

“We have always been underdogs, but we just want to win,” said Nield.