Athlete of the Week honor reflects Alec Vannavong’s steady influence at Lincoln
What sets Alec Vannavong apart at Lincoln High School is not a single highlight or headline moment. It is the standard he brings every day. The senior defender, a varsity reserve and JV captain for the Des Moines Lincoln boys soccer program, has spent four years building a reputation as one of the Rails’ most dependable players, and that consistency recently earned him Lincoln High School Athlete of the Week honors.
Vannavong’s role speaks to the trust he has earned across the program. He helps anchor the defense, leads the junior varsity group as a captain and remains, by all accounts, an important voice with the varsity team as well. For a Lincoln squad carrying big ambitions this season, his presence matters. Vannavong said he hopes to help lead a team with high expectations of winning a conference title and becoming the first team in school history to qualify for the state tournament, a goal that captures both the confidence and hunger surrounding the Rails.
Coach Joe Sithonnorath said Vannavong has come to represent exactly what a program wants in a student-athlete. "Alec exemplifies everything you hope for in a student-athlete," Sithonnorath said. "He is the definition of consistency and reliability - never late, never missing a practice or game. Over four years, Alec has shown tremendous growth and commitment, continuously working to improve his skills. He leads as a captain on the JV team while also being a vocal and respected presence on varsity, always encouraging and supporting his teammates."
That influence extends beyond the field. Sithonnorath also praised Vannavong for investing in Lincoln soccer at every level, noting that he attends BLH soccer events and volunteers his time coaching in the Southside Soccer League. Those efforts have made him more than just a veteran player on the roster. They have made him a visible part of the soccer community around Lincoln, someone younger players can look to as an example of how to represent the school with pride.
For Lincoln, that kind of leadership is worth celebrating. Vannavong’s story is one of growth, service and steady commitment, the kind that strengthens a team long before the final whistle. As the Rails chase a conference championship and a chance to make school history with a state tournament berth, they will do it with a senior defender whose biggest impact may be the tone he sets for everyone around him.
