It only takes a quick glance at the statistics to recognize that Allen senior outside hitter D.J. Phee is a leader on the volleyball court.

This season, the 5-foot-10 senior led the Lady Eagles to a 38-7 record before being upset by Coppell in the first round of playoffs. She also racked up 456 kills and 582 digs, second in both categories in District 8-5A.

“D.J. brought a great work ethic to the team,” head coach Kelley Gregoriew said. “Many players looked up to her and knew that if they were going to play, they would have to work just as hard.”

But once her high school career is over, she hopes to accept a much larger challenge as a leader.

Phee, 17, received her congressional appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Tuesday. Not only is she committed to playing NCAA Division I volleyball there, she’s also committed to serving five years as an Army officer after graduation.

Phee is proud of making the commitment, although, she said, it was a difficult decision.

“I was not only committing to a college, but something much larger,” said Phee, whose father, John, also went to West Point.

Naval Academy alumnus John Sample, who will coach Phee in her last Texas Advantage Volleyball club season beginning in January, knows what it takes to be appointed to a military academy.

He said players who go on to Division I schools have a lot in common: high levels of skill, intensity, competitiveness and athleticism. During the past 14 years, almost 300 such players have passed through the club.

But a military academy appointment takes character, leadership and sacrifice – traits he has seen in Phee for the six or seven years he has seen her play.

“When D.J. walks on the court, her intent is to not only do her job, but make every player on the court better by playing, talking and leading by example,” he said. “If you can play for the team rather than for yourself, you can make six players on the court better.”

But first things first. Phee has a lot of training to do before she hits the next level of her career. Her college coaches are already expecting a lot from her, she said, including a possible starting position.

“I’m hoping to make a big impact as a freshman,” she said.

Saerom Yoo is the editor of Allen neighborsgo and can be reached at 469-330-5685 or via e-mail at syoo@neighborsgo.com. Got a story, photo or video you'd like to share? Post them directly on neighborsgo.com. Got a story idea? Send it to me directly. For more about how neighborsgo.com works with our neighborsgo print editions, please visit neighborsgo.com/help.

SUBMITTED PHOTO BY NEIL FONVILLE