Mishawaka ― Lexie Pawlik has high expectations this season for the Penn volleyball team.

“Definitely winning a State Championship here at Penn,” she says.

And her coach expects nothing less of her.

“She’s a student of the game. She’s been in the gym since she was born,” says the Penn volleyball coach. “She learned a lot by watching and is now reaping all the benefits from that learning. As a junior, you can’t ask for a better leader.”

Pawlik has plenty of support both on the court and at home. Her mother, Lisa, is entering her 16th season as Penn’s volleyball coach. And her father, Rod, is the quarterback coach for the Penn football team. But, of course, the support she gets doesn’t just end with athletics.

“Both academically and athletically she gets it,” says Lisa Pawlik, Lexie’s mom and coach. “She knows what it takes to be a winner in the classroom and on the floor.”

“We practice then I go and do my homework. That’s how I keep them balanced,” says Lexie.

Having her mom as coach may at sometimes be awkward, but it means Lexie’s biggest supporter is both on the bench and at the dinner table.

“There are times where if we lost a game or had a bad practice, I’ll definitely take it home and she’s there to talk to me,” says Lexie.

“Her little brother does a lot of the talking,” adds Coach Pawlik. “He’s her biggest fan and he’s only nine, so that’s a great thing.”

Congratulations to Lexie Pawlik, WSBT and Burger King Outstanding Student Athlete.