Baldwin’s Zandier honored to be Karpa Award winner

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, June 2, 2018 | 10:00 AM

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What do Baldwin graduates Katie Knezevich (2017), Mackenzie Voelker (2016), Mara Meyer (2015), Alicia Mastroianni (2014), Juliana Fortunato (2013), Laura Hall (2012) and Phillip Wright (2011) have in common?

During their senior year of high school, they were letter winners who “displayed loyalty, devotion, a sense of humor and a deep concern for others, and offered the greatest overall contribution to Baldwin athletics.”

In other words, they were Karpa Award recipients.

And joining that select list in 2018 was Baldwin senior Emelia Zandier, a 5-foot-4 defensive specialist in the girls volleyball program.

“I'm very honored and thankful to have been nominated and selected by the Baldwin coaching staff as the Karpa Award winner,” Zandier said. “This award does not necessarily signify the most talented athlete in his or her sport, but it is more about character, which is very humbling.

“I believe this award can be inspiring to someone who may not be the best at a sport but can work hard and stick with it, even through adversity.”

Zandier, whose nickname is Meilz, was a two-year varsity player on Baldwin's girls volleyball team.

“Meilz is an excellent volleyball player,” coach Chris Kelly said. “She has a tough serve and plays great defense. She has good instincts and reacts well to the ball. She's a hard worker and never complains. She has a positive attitude and is a great encourager of her teammates, which makes her a great teammate.

“More than that, though, is the kind of person she is. She cares deeply for other people and goes out of her way to make sure others are happy and taken care of. She is willing to help whenever needed. I saw that as she played four years for me, and as she gave her time as manager for the boys (volleyball) team.”

Zandier, who competed in soccer and basketball in middle school and played club volleyball for two years with the Pittsburgh Point, compiled a 4.0 GPA in the classroom.

At Baldwin, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Bridge Builders, Special Olympics program, Math League, da Vincian Society and National Art Honor Society.

She designed the T-shirts sold at the Dig Pink fundraiser last fall during the girls volleyball season.

“I'm not very artistic when it comes to drawing or painting, but I always loved photography,” she said. “My freshman year, I took graphic design, and designing has come pretty natural to me ever since. I enjoy designing and editing pictures.”

Each year, Baldwin's senior netters, with assistance from their parents, oversee the Dig Pink project. It serves a dual purpose: to raise breast cancer awareness, and to make a donation to a breast cancer organization.

Baldwin's senior team members consisted of Zandier, Brianna Phillips, Brenna Green, Marissa Meis, Erica Blanner, Alana Price and Megan Moskiewski.

Zandier was an integral participant of the Dig Pink fundraiser.

“Our Dig Pink game that we play every year is very important to me personally,” Zandier said. “My grandmother (Patricia Zandier), a Baldwin High School graduate, was diagnosed with breast cancer six months before I was born, and had a mastectomy the day after I was born. She was in remission for 17 years until unfortunately (last) August she passed away from lung cancer. My family donated $500 in her memory and honor to celebrate her 17 years (of being) breast cancer-free.

“Had she not survived breast cancer, she would never have seen any of my cousins, sisters, or I succeed in our sports and academic lives. Her grandkids were her first priority, and we could always count on her cheering us on in the stands.”

The Baldwin netters not only met their goal of raising at least $1,000; they almost doubled it.

Money raised was donated to METAvivor, which is, in general terms, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of advanced breast cancer and equity in research and patient support.

“Our coach (Kelly) actually found this foundation for us,” Zandier said. “We all decided to donate to it because unlike other organizations, METAvivor receives 100 percent of the money, and they mainly focus on patients with stage 4 cancer. They exist to sustain hope for those living with stage 4 breast cancer. They are the only organization in the U.S. that exclusively funds research.

“This foundation really hit home for me since my Grammy had stage 2 breast cancer but later was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and given little hope.”

Family is important to the altruistic Zandier. Her sister, Elena, a freshman, competes in soccer and golf at Baldwin, while siblings Ian, a senior, was a member of the Baldwin track and field program, and Maggie, a sophomore, plays volleyball.

“For many reasons, I'm thankful to each coach who in some way influenced me as a person and a player starting back at St. Gabriel, going through club, then eventually high school,” Emelia Zandier said. “Most importantly, I am thankful for my family, especially my parents, who have had a huge impact on the person I am.”

The Karpa Award recipient plans to continue her volleyball career at Chatham, where she will study occupational therapy.

“I'm really impressed with Meilz, and very proud of her,” Kelly said. “She is well-deserving of that award. She will have an extremely positive impact on her team next year at Chatham.”

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Baldwin