The Norse News Athlete of the Year award is a well-established tradition at Spartanburg High School. The award is given to one male and one female athlete who excels in their sport year after year and continues to work hard to improve their elite athletic ability. This year’s Female Athlete of the Year is Laura Nance Pickens (12). Pickens shows her athletic ability not only in one sport but in three sports. Pickens shows off her athletic talents at the net with volleyball, on the court with basketball and on the field with lacrosse.
Not only is Pickens a phenomenal athlete, but she is also an exceptional leader. On every team she is on, Pickens takes her duty as a senior seriously by putting forth her best effort while also encouraging and lifting up her teammates.
Leslie Boyd, the head coach of the Lady Vikings varsity basketball team, says that Pickens has improved her skills over the years, and her energy inspires those around her.
“Laura Nance has been one of my favorite players to watch grow on and off the court. She brings energy to the team and is a great teammate to the girls around her. We are going to miss her next year, but we are thankful for the impact she left on our Sisterhood,” Boyd said.
During the Fall, Pickens makes her mark on the volleyball court. As a member of the Viking volleyball team since the 10th grade, Picken has helped her team greatly improve over the last three years. Abby Guy, the Spartanburg High School varsity head coach from last season, says Pickens’ competitive nature and determination shine on the volleyball court.
“Laura Nance is a natural competitor and a great leader. She works hard to help her team win, and when she is on the court, she brings a sense of urgency. Her energy on and off the court motivates her teammates to have fun while also trying their very best. She makes everyone else step up the challenge,” Guy said.
Pickens’ talents and determination go beyond the court and onto the lacrosse field. Pickens has been a Lady Vikings Lacrosse team member since the seventh grade. For the last six years, Pickens has worked hard and has continued to grow and develop her techniques and skills. Pickens signed with Tusculum University in Tennessee this year to continue her athletic and academic career. As a defender, Pickens has helped her team to a 12-2 record this season. In their 14 games, Picken has accumulated 11 caused turnovers and 24 ground balls, making her second on the team in ground balls.
Saffy Evans (11), a member of the Spartanburg High School girls lacrosse team and one of Pickens’ teammates, says she is a great leader and is always someone she can look up to and rely on.
“Laura Nance is an amazing teammate and friend. She is so encouraging and always gives 110%. I am so grateful to be her teammate because she always works so hard to make herself and those around her better,” Evans said.
