Nettleton’s Weeks to continue career with A-State By Cory Clark, Sun Staff Writer JONESBORO — Nettleton senior Alden Weeks grew up admiring the Arkansas State volleyball team. Weeks spent countless hours attending games at the Convocation Center, going to A-State volleyball camps and taking any opportunity she could to be around the team. Now, Weeks is officially part of the team. Weeks, a 6-1 middle blocker, signed a letter of intent to continue her volleyball career at Arkansas State on Wednesday at Raider Gym. Although her signature made it official, Weeks said after years of dreaming and working, the magnitude of the moment still hadn't set in. "It doesn't feel real, it's just crazy," Weeks said. "I knew I always wanted to play somewhere, and I didn't care where and I didn't care what level, but now I'm committed and I'm playing for a Division I school that's in the top 80, and it's the school that I grew up watching and loving." Weeks did slightly consider some other schools, but said when it came down to the final decision, there was really no decision to make at all. A-State was the place, the only place she ever wanted to go. "I'm just really blessed that my new home is here and Arkansas State has always been my home, and I'm just happy it's official," she said. A dedicated athlete and student at Nettleton, Weeks is a two-time all-state selection in volleyball and helped lead the Lady Raiders to the 2012 Class 5A state championship. She was also the 2012 Best Under The Sun Newcomer of the year and is a two-time Best Under The Sun selection. Nettleton coach Vickie Davis said she remembers seeing Weeks as a youngster playing club volleyball with her daughter and remembers being excited when she discovered she lived in the Nettleton district. Davis said she knew that when Weeks' talent caught up with her maturation, she could be a very special player. "We always knew when she got it together she was going to be really good and so that came to fruition," Davis said. "She has had an outstanding career at Nettleton. She has led us to a state championship, she has been part of some very successful teams. She's a team leader and a great hitter. But the most important thing about her is she's just really determined." Although Weeks made a name for herself with her towering kills, she is also involved in many different school activities at Nettleton. Davis said Weeks has been heavily involved with Dig for the Cure, which raises money for breast cancer research. "She's very ambitious, so there is no task you can put before her that she can't figure out a way to make it work," she said. "Dig for the Cure has been a huge investment for her and her family and they have been huge supporters with what we try to do every year, and she has worked tirelessly to raise money." While Weeks will graduate in the spring and begin the next chapter in her life, she proudly said she will always be proud to be a Nettleton Raider. "That state championship in 2012 was amazing. I wear my ring every day and I took the trophy around today at school just carrying it around," she said. "I've had such a great time here. I've had a great career and it's sad that is all over, but I know the things I have experienced will prepare me for the things that I am about to do and I'm so grateful for my time at Nettleton. It's such a huge part of me and who I am." cclark@jonesborosun.com