Naselle volleyball captain receives recognition

Each week, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) recognizes athletes from around the state for its Athlete of the Week Award. Last week, Naselle's Mylinh Schell was recognized for her outstanding efforts in leading her team to two wins against Ocosta and Lake Quinault.

Schell is the senior captain and setter for Naselle-Grays River, and she came up big to knock off the Coastal 1B league leader Ocosta on Oct. 22. Schell was a star for the Comets, coming away with 27 assists, nine aces, and ten digs. The WIAA write-up for Schell's award credited her "determination and leadership" for the Comets' takedown of Ocosta.

The Comets were also able to ride the momentum from the Ocosta win, beating Lake Quinault 3-0 on Oct. 24. Unfortunately, the momentum wouldn't last, and the Comets did fall short in their final conference game against Taholah on Oct. 29. Naselle also dropped their first postseason match against Columbia Adventist, which means the Comets will face off with Wahkiakum High School to keep their season hopes alive.

Naselle beat Wahkiakum in their earlier meeting this season by a score of 3-0. If Schell can lead the line for the Comets as she did against Ocosta, Naselle may still have a chance to make the state playoffs.

"She has the heart and grit of a true athlete and is often left on the court for all six rotations, as she brings fight and leadership to the team," the WIAA website said.

Schell has been outstanding all season for the Comets, with more than 56 aces, 193 assists, and 98 digs on the season.

More on Naselle's Athlete of the Week

Though Schell's on-the-court exploits are a part of her being recognized, it is also an acknowledgment of Schell's merit off the court. Schell is a 4.0 full-time running start student at Clatsop Community College.

Schell has been accepted to George Fox University and plans to attend and pursue nursing. Not content with academic excellence, Schell is also giving back to her community by running the Operation Child ShoeBox Organization at her church. The goal is to fill over 100 boxes, and she is also set to begin volunteering at the Crisis Pregnancy Clinic next month.

Some of the benefits of receiving the Athlete of the Week Award are a letter of recognition from the WIAA Executive Director, a certificate of achievement, a $25 gift card courtesy of Gesa Credit Union, and "statewide bragging rights," according to WIAA.