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Dillingham's Walton is as fearless as they come

June 29th 7:05 pm | Van Williams Print this article   Email this article   Create a Shortlink for this article

Acacia Walton plans to major in psychology at Southern Oregon University.

Her minor will be volleyball.

The former Dillingham High School all-star this fall plans to walk-on the college team, a feast or famine proposal that would scare most but excites Walton.

"I don't know if I'm going to actually play yet because I haven't contacted coach or anything, but if I do get to play I think that would be really awesome," she said. "I've always wanted to be a college athlete, but that doesn't happen to many people. We'll see."

Walton is confident and fearless on and off the court, strong characteristics that serves her well in competition.

"I don't really pay attention too much about what people think of me. That may get me in trouble sometimes," she said with a laugh, "but, you know, whatever."

Walton was a four-year starter for Dillingham and helped the Lady Wolverines advance to the Class 3A state tournament all four years.

"She's a hard worker who really developed as a leader her senior year," Dillingham coach Helen Smeaton said. "I think she knows that she will have to work pretty hard in college. SOU has a really good team right now and the level of play is completely different from out here but that isn't deterring her from trying whatsoever. Hopefully she makes the team."

Walton was the team's primary setter, although she also excelled as a defensive specialist because of her precise passing skills.

"Based on what I have seen from some of the girls out here and what I have heard from college coaches, I think that there could be some advantages from having come from a small, isolated school," Smeaton said.

"These kids are used to having to work really hard for what they get and even harder to get recognized by college coaches. They usually are kids that balance two or three sports with academics, traveling every weekend, etc., and yet they still manage to be at the top of their class and sport.

"Unless you have self-motivation, a good attitude and a never-fail attitude, it is not going to happen."

Success has always come naturally for Walton.

She grew up chasing her older sister Lauren, who is on a track scholarship at Florida Atlantic University.

They weren't super-competitive as kids, Walton said; instead they pushed each other and supported each other at every step.

"I never wanted to be her," she said. "There was never any jealousy."

Walton hopes to become a college athlete like her sister, yet she will blaze her own trail.

"I'm pretty pumped," she said. "I'm ready to get out of Dillingham. I really want to have a new adventure."

Reach Van Williams at sports@reportalaska.com.

 

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