Sarah Nelson maintains her humility, even now that the volleyball season has been over for more than two weeks.

When she talks about her play this season in leading Tahlequah to its first-ever state tournament appearance, the 5-foot-10 senior middle blocker doesn’t brag.

“Somebody served me the ball and I would put it away,” she said.

Nelson did more than that, averaging 10 kills and five blocks per game for the Lady Tigers. She made enough of an impression to be named the Most Valuable Player on the 2009 All-Phoenix volleyball team in voting by area coaches and the Phoenix sports staff.

One of those impressed with Nelson’s play was Sequoyah coach Jay Herrin.

“By far, she’s the best player we played against around here,” he said. “So much of what they did went through her. Sarah was a complete player. When she got going, she was tough to stop.”

Nelson credits her volleyball background for her senior season.

“I grew up with it and it’s in my blood,” she said. “My aunt and cousin played. My cousin (Liz Newman) was setter at the University of Oklahoma. She coaches the same club team that I play on. She helped me a lot.”

Nelson also got help from Don Ogden, the Tahlequah coach.

“He was so good to us,” she said. “We had a lot of practice during the summer and the school year. He’s such a good coach because he cares about all of us. He knew when to push us.”

Ogden doesn’t hold back his modesty when he talks about the three-year starter.

“She’s a good, solid player,” he said. “She made a lot of blocks this season. She passes the ball so well from the back row. Sarah’s also a good leader and made everybody on the floor better.”

Nelson has a chance to get better and play at the next level. She took a recruiting trip to East Central University in Ada last week.

“I really liked it there,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of Division III schools and junior colleges contacting me, but I think I can play at the Division II level.”

Ogden, who led the Tigers to a 35-6 record and the state quarterfinals, is the Coach of the Year. He also guided the Lady Tigers to two tournament championships as well as the co-championshp in the Metro Lakes Conference and the Class 5A regional title.