A four-time conference player of the week, Anna Popenko is one of the most accomplished volleyball players in program history. This week we caught up with the native of Russia, who played for Georgia State for two years (2000-2001) and works on campus today.
A conference tournament MVP on Georgia State's first conference championship team, Popenko led GSU to its only NCAA Tournament appearance in school history with a school-record 28-10 record before losing to No. 3 Southern Cal in Los Angeles. Despite dropping their match, the NCAA Tournament remains Popenko's favorite memory of playing at GSU.
The hitter's name still appears in numerous places in the program history book. Her career average of 4.46 kills per set and career attack percentage of .354 both rank second best in program history. Apart from her accomplishments on the court, Popenko also earned multiple academic honors.
Popenko continues to be remembered and honored for her memorable career as a Panther. In 2019 she was one of five former Panthers inducted into the Georgia State Athletics Hall of Fame. Additionally, Popenko was recently named to the ASUN's 2000-2009 All-Decade Team.
"I was quite surprised because I thought other players deserved it more than me," said Popenko on being named to the Hall of Fame. "I was very honored, and I could not have achieved that without my teammates."
Off the court and years later, Popenko still has strong bonds with other members of the Georgia State volleyball Panther family. Many players including April DeCoste, Natalie Coley, and Danielle Gonzalez made a massive impact on Popenko while in college and they continue to support each other today even in life's toughest moments.
"I am proud to say that I am a breast cancer survivor, and my teammates were there for me and they continue to support me," said Popenko. "The bond that we created while played at GSU is forever."
Currently, Popenko works on campus and hopes to one day return to the classroom to receive a master's degree. Off campus, Popenko is most passionate about her photography work she does for her clients.
