Skyline Spotlight: Nikolet Vataj

Elise Hendricks ‘28

Photo by Kyra Johnsen ‘27       

Skyline Conference's “Player of the Week” is an athletic honor given to student-athletes to recognize their outstanding individual performances. Junior Nikolet Vataj has earned herself the honor three times already this season, being recognized the weeks of Sept. 21, Oct. 5, and Oct. 12.

She earned the Player of the Week title for the first time the week of Sept. 21. Here, Sarah Lawrence went 4-0, with Vataj finishing with 57 kills, 32 digs, and 10 service aces. She finished the week with 18 kills and two double-doubles against Saint Elizabeth before winning 3-1 at Drew with 17 kills and 11 digs. 

During the week of Oct. 5, Sarah Lawrence went 2-1, with Vataj recording a double-double in each of three games with 56 kills and 50 digs. She finished the week with 26 kills and 24 digs in a five-set victory over Brooklyn, followed by 16 kills and 15 digs against SUNY Morrisville and 14 kills and 15 digs in a four-set triumph over Hunter.

Lastly, she was recognized the week of Oct. 12 for her efforts in helping Sarah Lawrence finish a flawless 4-0 week with 80 kills and 49 digs throughout four wins. In a five-set victory over FDU-Florham, the junior set a program record with 30 kills and 19 digs; against Elizabethtown, she added 23 kills and 16 digs. 

For Vataj, the awards are just another sign of the impact the Sarah Lawrence Women's Volleyball team is having on the conference. “I go into every game focused on doing whatever I can to help the team succeed,” said Vataj. “So, being able to win together and receive recognition along the way makes it extra rewarding.”

In addition to this, Vataj is no stranger to the honors given by the Skyline Conference. Not only has she already been awarded Player of the Week honors three times this season, but she has previously received an honorable mention as well. In the past season, she received the 2025 First Team All-Conference, 2024 Rookie of the Year, and 2024 Sarah Lawrence Newcomer of the Year.

When asked what words she has for her coaches and teammates, she made sure to mention the pride that she has in the team. “I can’t stress how proud I am of this team. We’re continuing to break records and accomplish things Sarah Lawrence hasn’t before,” said Vataj. “And that comes from everyone’s hard work and commitment. It’s a level of dedication and intensity that makes this part of the season so exciting.”

If you want to catch a Sarah Lawrence Women’s Volleyball match soon, their senior night takes place this weekend on Halloween. They play Farmingdale State starting at noon and Mount Saint Mary starting at 6:00 p.m. at Campbell Sports Center.