Buckhannon-Upshur's Alyssa Abel ably stars athletically, academically

CLARKSBURG, W.Va.

(WV News) Whatever Buckhannon-Upshur senior Alyssa Abel tries her hand at, whether it be in the field of play or in the classroom, she does it ably.

I push myself to try to be at my best at everything that I do, Abel said.

Im compassionate, competitive hard-worker.

Those traits define me.

If I feel that I or my team has a weak-point, I do all I can to find a solution or way to improve.

That recipe has led Abel to athletic success over the better part of the last three years.

Entering her final season donning a Buccaneer uniform in each of her given sports, Abel has garnered a nearly unmatched resume becoming one of the most decorated athletes in recent Buckhannon-Upshur athletic history.

After carving out a contributing role as a freshman, Abel truly burst on the scene as a sophomore, claiming second-team All-Big 10 honors in volleyball, basketball and softball.

Abel continued to make progress as a junior earning first-team All-Big 10 selections in both basketball and volleyball, as well as taking second-team All-Big 10 honors for a second consecutive season.

Abel also garnered state-level recognition, collecting the added distinction of All-State honorable mention honors on both the hardwood and the diamond last season.

Thus far through the early stages senior campaign, the nine-time varsity letter-winner is well on her way to adding a fitting final chapter to her storied Buccaneer career.

Abel, a self-described vocal leader who is never afraid to speak up when the situation arises on the field or court, has taken charge of the a resurgent Buckhannon-Upshur volleyball team.

With outstanding play and steady leadership, Able has paced the Buccaneers to a 6-4 overall start to the season after finishing 9-24 a year ago.

In doing so, Abel has proved to be a force in nearly every facet of the game amassing 13 aces, a 94% serving percentage, 98 kills, 84 digs, 14 blocks, and six assists so far this season.

My main goals are to make sure things are done the right way, ensure that we dont take anything lightly and instill confidence, Abel said.

Ive learned to speak up and point out peoples mistakes because it helps both them and our team in the long run.

Buckhannon-Upshur volleyball coach Alicia Lentz pointed to Abels toughness as a major catalyst for her teams rapid improvement.

Alyssa is a huge leader for us, Lentz said.

She has excelled at everything that I have taught her and goes above and beyond for her team.

She has overcome several obstacles and injuries over the years only to come back better each time showing she is not only physically, but mentally tough.

Excelling at everything is just another days work for Abel with her exploits extending to the classroom as well.

Abel has consistently managed to carry a 4.0 GPA with a workload that now includes college-credit courses all the while balancing the demands of being a leader on her various teams.

Even as much as I love playing, school comes first, Abel said.

No matter whats going on, nothing comes before keeping up my grades.

Abel credits a structured schedule for helping her juggle her athletic and academic responsibilities.

I have a routine of doing my homework and studying in the evening before games or practices, Abel said.

Plus our team holds study hall once a week before volleyball and basketball which give us time to stay on top of things.

Abel also points to the support she receives from her family as a major factor in her success.

My family always push me to be my best and to have a good mindset in all that I do, Abel said.

They dont miss a game, they never allow me to to be down on myself.

I couldnt do it without them.

Abel admits to particularly currently enjoying her dual-credit English class and agriculture courses, yet surprisingly points to a different subject as her favorite.

History is my favorite class.

I really enjoy learning about the past, Abel said.

It helps explain the way the world is now.

Abel credits her success into the classroom to being influenced by one pivotal teacher early on in her school years.

My third-grade teach Mrs.

Gabrielle Rhodes taught me the importance of kindness and had a way of simplifying things that were hard for me to understand at the time.

I think that the things I learned from her has allowed me to find ways to continue to be a good student.

With so much athletic and academic promise, Abel is undecided about what the future holds but is excited about the possibilities that await her.

Im not sure about a college, major or career as of yet, Abel said.

Im focused on taking things one step at a time and enjoying being a senior.

Im excited about all the things that could happen for me both this year and beyond..

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