FAIRLEA, WV- Over the last several years, volleyball at Greenbrier East has grown substantially in popularity.
Head coach Matt Sauvage has his Spartans competing for sectional and regional titles annually including another regional appearance this season.
One reason for the success the volleyball team has enjoyed is coach Sauvage’s daughter, Euodia Sauvage (Dia).
Dia spent her four years at the school re-writing the volleyball record books. As a freshman, she was named special honorable mention all-state, and everyone could see then what type of talent she was going to bring to the court. As a sophomore and junior, she was named to the first team. For her career, Dia played 473 sets (4th in school history) and had 419 aces (2nd), 2,473 digs (1st), 3,444 serve receives (1st) and 319 assists.
In 2023, she was named 1st team All-Coalfield Conference and is just waiting for her all-state selection to be announced over Thanksgiving week. We know that is coming because Sauvage was named an AVCA third team all-American just a couple weeks ago and that honor amazed the senior.
“I was shocked to receive the AVCA third team all-American. You don’t hear of too many players getting anything all-American in general. It was so amazing,” Dia said thankfully.
Of course, holding multiple school records garners national interest and eventually publications take notice. However, Dia, who also holds over a 4.0 GPA in the classroom, never let any of that take from the fact that her teammates and her faith were what kept her striving to be the best she could be.
“It feels unreal to hold multiple school records,” Dia said.
“But with that, I could not have reached any of them without my teammates cheering me on and pushing me to be the best that I can. Also, Christ. I couldn’t be the player I am today without him blessing me with this sport,” she continued.
Sometimes, having a parent as a coach can cause conflict and distraction, but Dia said playing for her dad only enhanced their relationship little-by-little over the last few years.
“Playing for my father is different, but in a good way, Dia stated.
“I know I wouldn’t be the player I am today without him. He’s pushed me hard, and he treats me no differently than any other player. He may go harder on me, but I needed that to succeed. Our bond did strengthen over the past four years because we spent every morning and afternoon in the car together. Those 45-50 minutes to school every morning gave me that father-daughter time,” she explained.
Now that her record-breaking career is in the books, Dia hopes to look back and take what she learned from being part of the GEVB family and put it towards her future and also cherish her lifelong friendships made.
“Something I will remember the most about GEVB is the friendships gained. One thing I learned the most during my four years at GEVB is how to do life, be a good person and love God and love others. Find your true self and live a good life. Enjoy the journey. Don’t take Gods time for granted,” she said with a smile.
Though the rest of her senior year is still in progress with the Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks looming, Dia has already laid out her plans after she graduates this summer, but surprisingly to some, it may not include more volleyball.
“As of right now, no college volleyball plans,” Dia stated.
“My plan after graduation is to pursue dog grooming and boarding and receive a 2-year Business degree. I thought really hard on it and prayed about it. It tore me up to think of not playing at the next level when I was given the chances, but God gave me peace and understanding and showed what’s next for me. I’m hoping to stay around Lewisburg and help with volleyball as a coach and lead others in that way as well. Taking these steps day-by-day and allowing the Lord to show me my path,” Dia concluded.
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