JDHS spikers earn Sportsmanship Award at state tournament

Crimson Bears’ Nizich all-tourney, Dimond tops Colony for title

The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé volleyball team poses with their State Championship Sportsmanship Award on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Anchorage's Alaska Airlines Center. From left are Gwen Nizich, Ruby Koski, Liliane Veikoso, Lavinia Ma'ake, June Troxel, Brie Powers, Braith Dihle, Leila Cooper, Neela Thomas and Natalie Harris. Not pictured are Cambry Lockhart and Nellie Stowers. (Photo courtesy JDHS coach Jody Levernier)

By Klas Stolpe

Juneau Independent

The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears showed they can play quality volleyball and be quality people as well, garnishing the Sportsmanship Award at the conclusion of Saturday’s ASAA State Volleyball Championships at Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center, and senior Gwen Nizich was honored as a member of the All-State Tournament Team.

“I am so proud of all of the team,” JDHS coach Jody Levernier said. “They are a really respectful and fun group of kids. I love that we can represent our community in a positive way. I know they don’t think it’s a big deal, but as a teacher, coach and parent I think it is huge to have kids that can play hard, be competitive and be respectful all at the same time. Emotions can run high and they have worked hard at controlling them no matter the situation…Gwen had a great weekend. She has really stepped up her game attacking the ball and putting up some big blocks. She is just really fun to watch, and the excitement that she has after a really big play is infectious to everyone on the team. Not only is she a fantastic player, she also is a really positive teammate and knows it takes everyone.” 

Nizich was joined on the All-State Tournament Team by Chugiak junior Audrey Parks, South senior Ellie Kleven, Dimond junior Ailafo Fautanu, Service senior Dakota Evans, Colony freshman Taylor Passard, Dimond junior Nia Cook, Service senior TahTiani Keliikipi, Colony junior Alli Morrissey, Chugiak senior Elise Kelley, Colony freshman Emily DeHart and Dimond sophomore Anayah Sila. 

“We are a respectful team to each other and to all teams, coaches, and officials,” said Nizich, a JDHS co-captain. “It means a lot to be recognized for our positive impact on others…I am proud to have made the All-State team and to represent Juneau. I couldn’t have done it without my team and all the hard work we put in throughout the season.”

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Gwen Nizich poses with her ASAA Volleyball All-State Tournament Team medal on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (Photo courtesy JDHS coach Jody Levernier)

JDHS stayed long into the evening watching the Dimond Lynx win the first championship match over Colony 3-2 (25-21, 25-19, 11-25, 23-25, 15-10) and give the Knights their first loss of the tournament, which forced an If-Necessary final game to 30 points. Dimond came through with a 30-20 win for the state title. Players of the Match went to Dimond junior Nia Cook and Colony freshman Taylor Passard.

“We were excited to be recognized as a team that displays good sportsmanship, kindness and respect on the court,” JDHS senior Braith Dihle said. “It is really important to all of us that we don’t let volleyball create barriers on the court. It was fun to walk away with something, and we are grateful for the whole experience of state.”

Dimond had bested JDHS 3-0 (25-11, 25-17, 25-21) to open the state tournament Thursday so the Crimson Bears are in good company with teams that fell to the Lynx, including South Anchorage 3-1 (25-15, 15-25, 26-24, 25-18), Service 3-1 (25-15, 26-28, 25-19, 25-20), Chugiak 3-2 (24-26, 25-22, 20-25, 25-22) and Colony. The Knights had beaten Dimond in a winner’s bracket game late Thursday 3-1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-21, 25-21). JDHS had also defeated Lathrop 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-16) and fell to Service 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-19; both games were Friday.

“Winning the sportsmanship award means a lot as the team is getting to represent Southeast,” JDHS senior Cambry Lockhart said. “I am very proud of the way we portray ourselves and it shows on and off the court. This group is special and I am not surprised we were recognized for being a respectable and kind team.”

The ASAA 2025 Volleyball All-Tournament team. From left are Service senior Dakota Evans, Chugiak junior Audrey Parks, South Anchorage senior Ellie Kleven, Dimond junior Ailafo Fautanu, Colony freshman Taylor Passard, JDHS senior Gwen Nizich, Dimond junior Nia Cook, Service senior TahTiani Keliikipi, Colony junior Alli Morrissey, Chugiak senior Elise Kelley, Colony freshman Emily DeHart, and Dimond sophomore Anayah Sila. (Photo courtesy JDHS coach Jody Levernier)

The Team Academic Award went to Colony. Special skill awards went to Service junior Jaelyn Lorenzo (passing), Colony’s DeHart (setting), Dimond’s Sila (serving) and Colony’s Passard (hitting).

The Kenai Kardinals defeated the Nikiski Bulldogs 3-2 (20-25, 25-15, 25-21, 20-25, 15-13) for the 3A state title. The Sitka Wolves, representing the Southeast Conference, fell to Kenai 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-21) on Thursday and were eliminated Friday by the Nome-Beltz Nanooks 3-1 (25-17, 13-25, 25-16, 25-11).

• Contact Klas Stolpe at klas.stolpe@gmail.com.