MIKAYLA CHANG
School: Squalicum
Sport: Volleyball
Year: Junior
Position: Libero
What she did: Nicknamed "Mighty Mouse" by her teammates and coach, Chang had 41 digs in two matches for the Storm this week, with 23 at Ferndale on Tuesday, Oct. 9, and 18 more on Thursday, Oct. 11, at Blaine. She passed for a 2.4 average on serve-receive and recorded three aces. So far this season, Chang has logged 228 digs - an average of 6.7 digs per set. She has passed for an average of 2.43 in 10 matches and has 14 aces.
Coach's quote: "Mikayla is 5 feet of strength and spunk. She may be small, but she never stops, and she is one of the hardest workers on and off the court that I have seen. Not only is she the glue that holds our defense together, she maintains a 4.0 GPA. Mikayla struggled with finding her confidence early in the season, but she fought hard, never gave up and is really coming into her own as a team leader and a defensive dynamo." - Julie Hathaway
LUKE CHRISTIANSON
School: Lynden
Sport: Football
Year: Senior
Position: Running back/defensive back
What he did: Christianson rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, averaging 10.3 yards per carry to help the Lions beat Bellingham 43-13. He also had a 44-yard punt return for a touchdown, before being relieved in the second half. Entering play on Friday, Oct. 12, Christianson had 541 yards and six TDs on 70 carries and has 16 catches for 160 yards and two more scores.
Coach's quote: "Luke is an electric football player, and if your eyes aren't in the right place he'll definitely make you look silly. You must account for him on every play, because his skill set as a runner and receiver makes him a game breaker. As a person he's hilarious. I love having his personality around our team. " - Assistant coach Blake VanDalen
Athletes of the Week are selected by the Sports staff of The Bellingham Herald from a list of student athletes nominated by their coaches for their outstanding accomplishments. Coaches, please send your nominations to david.rasbach@bellinghamherald.com by 3 p.m. on Friday.
OTHER NOMINEES
? Emile Diffley, Bellingham boys' tennis
? Sam Ferguson, Bellingham boys' tennis
? Olivia Nielsen, Squalicum girls' swimming
? Trevor Press, Sehome boys' tennis
? Edith Valdez, Ferndale girls' swimming
Reach ANDREW LANG at andrew.lang@bellinghamherald.com or call ext. 862.
