The NJCAA has named Adianez (Nani) Reyes Rivera has been named NJCAA Division II Player of the Year. Leading the Ravens to back to back National Championships and winning MVP of the Tournament in 2018. Anyone who had the opportunity to watch her this past season can confirm, she deserves this award more than anyone. I spoke to Nani and asked her what it meant if she was Named POY- this is what she said
I hypothetically asked Adianez what it would it mean to her if she was named National player of the year she was completely speechless and so in awww. In her own words "Oh my Goodness Oh my goodness I don't know what I would do. This award is the highest of the high, there are so many great players and I just can't believe this." Thank you it would be the biggest accomplishment for myself but winning the championship is the best accomplishment because it wasn't just me it was me and my girls, my Raven family.
Adianez (aka Nani) said words can't describe what these two years mean to her. "Playing for Coach Downing is something I will never forget. I have learned that the best player work harder than anyone else in practice to always be the best. I will never forget these past two years it's been the best ride ever. I wish I could stay all four years as a Raven because you have taught me how to be strong and an independent young woman in this world. I used to play volleyball for myself but now I play and practice hard for my teammates and coaching staff. When I was in high school I didn't have to practice hard or play hard because I could over power other players. Now I have learned what it means to be the elite-complete athlete and play for my teammates and coaching staff. I now have two rings to show what hardwork and determination will do if you put it in."
Coach Downing had this to say about Adianez "Coaching Adianez (Nani) has been nothing but amazing and fun. If anyone ever sees this girl play will know why she was giving this award! She is a workhorse, I think the best way to describe her is "she plays like a man" hungry for the ball and outsmarts her opponents! When she first stepped on our campus she had a swag about her I knew then I was getting a jewel. Very humble but also fierce. My first coaching her was tough at times, because she believed that she didn't have to work hard to be successful because she was already talented and one of the best in the gym. Nani would come in two minutes before practice and soon as we broke it out, she was the first one in the locker room. Ohh but that mentality changed very quickly. This kid is now my toughest worker. She will be in 15 minutes before practice, setting up the net, counting the balls, and getting her teammates fired up for an intense practice and then she is the last to leave, taking 10 more big swings, passing 10 more balls in the passing lanes, 5 more blocks and 15 more digs. Her teammates want to play like her and when the best is working extra hard it makes everyone work hard. Nani will be hard to replace, I mean she carried our team to to Back to Back National Championships and is a joy to have on your team. I am honored and blessed to have coached one incredible young woman. The sky's the limit for this girl. Nani is still undecided on where she wants to continue her education and volleyball career but I look forward to seeing her at the next level, kicking butt and leading a team to success."
Adianez Reyes Rivera played in 86 matches in her time with Coffeyville, had a total of 1,335 kills, Most kills in two seasons at Coffeyville, 48 assists, 958 digs, and a hitting percentage of .361%, which is the best Hitting Percentage at CCC. She will be the First National Player of the Year and Coach Downing has said "I am so Honored and I was the one who coached her! Nani is that player that when you needed a Kill she did it of course from the Front row and even on the Back row. When you needed a Block she was getting you a Solo Block against the other teams best Player. She was also a person in the passing lanes that gave a 3 pass against a great server and a huge dig vs. a Big Swing! She is a "Boss" on this Volleyball Court! Congratulations Adianez Reyes Rivera, you deserve it!!"