Athlete of the Week

Adams has Lodi on verge of 3-peat

Accomplishment:Lodi High senior outside hitter Natalie Adams has the Flames on the brink of a third straight San Joaquin Athletic Association volleyball championship.

Natalie Adams

The team captain had 14 kills and 19 digs in Lodi's 3-1 win over Chavez last Tuesday to help the Flames (13-2, 8-0 SJAA) stay perfect in league play.

She also came up big in a non-league match with rival Tokay last Wednesday, recording 24 digs, 15 kills and two aces as Lodi won a five-set thriller.

Family:Terry and Barbara Adams, parents; two sisters, Naomi and Cassie.

Favorite sport:Volleyball. "It's fun and it's intense," said Adams, who's been playing since she was in sixth grade.

Favorite athlete:Volleyball player Misty May. "She's really good and always looks like she's enjoying herself," Adams said of May.

Favorite hobbies:Horseback riding, swimming and reading. Adams said she is currently reading the "Harry Potter" series.

Favorite subject:Economics. Adams explained that while many people are interested in history, she prefers to keep on top of current affairs.

Would like to meet:Actress Keira Knightley. Adams said she enjoys the roles that Knightley has played in films such as "Pirates of Caribbean" and "Pride and Prejudice."

Crowning achievement:Getting a 4.0 grade point average this quarter, the first time Adams has done so in high school

Plans:Adams plans to attend Fresno State and major in speech pathology. Adams is unsure if she will continue playing volleyball.

The Athlete of the Week is selected by the News-Sentinel sports staff. Nominations are gladly accepted. Adams will receive a T-shirt courtesy of Lodi Sporting Goods for being selected.