By By Matthew Nascone
Amber Thomas was named the 2005 American Volleyball Coaches Association Division III Freshman of the Year.
This may not mean a lot to most Atmore residents, but to Ernest and Alma Thomas it means their granddaughter is successful and that is what every grandparent wants for their grandchildren.
Ernest and Alma have lived in Atmore all their lives and Alma said they are extremely proud of Amber. Amber is the daughter of Floyd and Ruth Thomas of Ephrata, Penn. Floyd and Ruth moved to Pennsylvania after high school.
Amber's volleyball coach at Juniata College, Larry Bock, said she is a tremendous athlete and her relatives should be proud of her.
"She is somebody who has made our team better," Bock said. "She is an effective power hitter and is certainly among the top freshman in the country. She is a quiet, confident leader, a great student and a terrific athlete."
Bock is ready for next year and the year after that.
"It is going to be a great three years with Amber on our team," he said.
Amber was also named the Division III Mid-Atlantic Region and Commonwealth Conference Rookie of the Year and was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division III All-America Second Team.