Volleyball Trio Named All-Region
12/6/2022 10:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Norah Sis, Kendra Wait and Kiana Schmitt honored
The East Region consists of a combination of 39 teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference, America East Conference, Atlantic 10 Conference, BIG EAST Conference, Colonial Athletic Association, Ivy League, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and Patriot Leagues.
This year's awards mark the eighth straight year that Creighton has had two or more student-athletes earn First Team All-Region acclaim, putting the Bluejays in elite company with the likes of Texas (22 straight years), Kentucky (13), Minnesota (13), Nebraska (12), Wisconsin (11), BYU (9) and Pittsburgh (8). Creighton's 25 First Team All-Region selections since 2015 ranks 10th-most nationally, trailing only Texas (40), Kentucky (36), Minnesota (35), Nebraska (35), Stanford (30), Florida (29), Wisconsin (28), Pittsburgh (27) and Penn State (26).
A sophomore from Gardner, Kan., Wait is leading the BIG EAST with 11.13 assists per set, good for 13th-best nationally. Directing an offense that ranks eighth nationally in kills per set, she's the nation's only player to average at least 11.00 assists and 3.00 digs per set. Wait is a two-time All-BIG EAST and All-East Region choice. She was named All-Tournament Team at three different events this fall.
A Third Team All-American in 2021, Sis was also recognized as an All-Region choice for the second straight year. The Papillion, Neb., product was named BIG EAST Player of the Year, BIG EAST Tournament MVP and Rumble in the Rockies MVP during a standout sophomore campaign that has her ranked 21st nationally with 4.33 kills per set.
Schmitt earned the first All-Region accolade of her career. The Waunakee, Wis., native ranks fifth in the BIG EAST with 0.96 blocks per set and is seventh with a .317 hitting percentage. Also an All-BIG EAST choice this fall, she has indicated her intent to return for her fifth year of eligibility in 2023.
Creighton finished its 11th straight trip to the NCAA Tournament on Friday with a 27-5 record. Coached by Kirsten Bernthal Booth, CU won its BIG EAST-record ninth straight regular-season title as well as its eighth BIG EAST Tournament title in the past nine years.
All-America honors will be announced on Dec. 14 prior to next week's Final Four in Omaha.
2022 AVCA Division I Regional Awards
All-Region Teams | Region Coaches of the Year
2022 AVCA Division I All-Region Teams
East Region
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yadhira Anchante | Marquette University | S | So. |
| Victoria Barrett | Towson University | OH | So. |
| Claire Chaussee | University of Louisville | OH | Gr. |
| Aubrey Hamilton | Marquette University | OH | Jr. |
| Aiko Jones | University of Louisville | RS | RS-Sr. |
| Jaymeson Kinley | Butler University | L | Jr. |
| Raquel Lazaro | University of Louisville | S | Gr. |
| Lani Mason | University of Delaware | OH | Sr. |
| Carsen Murray | Marquette University | MB | Jr. |
| Elena Scott | University of Louisville | L | So. |
| Polina Shemanova | Syracuse University | OH | Gr. |
| Norah Sis | Creighton University | OH | So. |
| Amaya Tillman | University of Louisville | MB | Sr. |
| Kendra Wait | Creighton University | S | So. |
Honorable Mention
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nina Cajic | Towson University | RS | Jr. |
| Katie Forsythe | Loyola University Maryland | L | Gr. |
| Rya McKinnon | Howard University | OH | Fr. |
| Jill Pressly | DePaul University | OH | Jr. |
| Emily Ryan | Florida State University | MB | Gr. |
| Kiana Schmitt | Creighton University | MB | Sr. |
| Beau Vanderlaan | Brown University | MB | So. |
East Region Player of the Year: Claire Chaussee, University of Louisville, OH, Gr.
East Region Freshman of the Year: Rya McKinnon, Howard University, OH
East Region Coach of the Year: Dani Busboom Kelly, University of Louisville
East Coast Region
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julia Bergmann | Georgia Institute of Technology | OPP | Sr. |
| Courtney Buzzerio | University of Pittsburgh | OH | Gr. |
| Rachel Fairbanks | University of Pittsburgh | S/OPP | So. |
| Serena Gray | University of Pittsburgh | MB | Gr. |
| Angela Grieve | University of Miami, Florida | OH | RS-Jr. |
| KJ Johnson | Fairfield University | OH | Sr. |
| Gracie Johnson | Duke University | OH | Sr. |
| Janice Leao | University of Miami, Florida | MB | Sr. |
| Breland Morrissette | Georgia Institute of Technology | MB | Gr. |
| Chiamaka Nwokolo | University of Pittsburgh | MB | Sr. |
| Rachele Rastelli | St. John's University | OPP | Gr. |
| Mabrey Shaffmaster | University of North Carolina | OH | So. |
| Savannah Vach | University of Miami, Florida | S | Sr. |
| Valeria Vazquez Gomez | University of Pittsburgh | OH | RS-Jr. |
Honorable Mention
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bianca Bertolino | Georgia Institute of Technology | OH | So. |
| Mia Bilusic | University of Maryland, Baltimore County | OH | So. |
| Sarah Ciszek | Sacred Heart University | S | Gr. |
| Hope Matscher | Iona University | L | Jr. |
| Caylee Parker | University of Connecticut | OH | Sr. |
| Tsvetelina Ilieva | Binghamton University | OH | Jr. |
| Sasha van der Merwe | Marist College | OH | Jr. |
| Giorgia Walther | St. John's University | OH | So. |
East Coast Region Player of the Year: Courtney Buzzerio, University of Pittsburgh, OH , Gr.
East Coast Region Freshman of the Year: Giulia Bonifacio, Binghamton University, OPP
East Coast Region Coach of the Year: Dan Fisher, University of Pittsburgh
Midwest Region
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tayler Alden | University of Northern Iowa | S | So. |
| Lexie Almodovar | University of Dayton | OH | RS-So. |
| Haley Bush | Drake University | OH | Sr. |
| Sydney Cole | University of Northern Colorado | S | Jr. |
| Lauren Dooley | University of Kansas | MB | Gr. |
| Maya Duckworth | Iowa State University | OH | Fr. |
| Ayah Elnady | University of Kansas | OH | RS-Fr. |
| Eleanor Holthaus | Iowa State University | OH | Sr. |
| Kailey Jo Ince | University of Northern Colorado | OH | Gr. |
| Shayla McCormick | University of Nebraska Omaha | OH | So. |
| Sydney Petersen | University of Northern Iowa | L | Sr. |
| Marie Plitt | Ball State University | MB | Sr. |
| McKenna Ruch | University of Nebraska Omaha | MB | Jr. |
| Anezka Szabo | University of Kansas | RS | Sr. |
Honorable Mention
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney Bolding | Kansas State University | MB | Sr. |
| Rachel Hickman | University of Northern Colorado | RS | Sr. |
| Giovana Larregui Lopez | Eastern Illinois University | OH | Jr. |
| Karlie McNabb | Loyola University Chicago | OH | Jr. |
| Amelia Moore | University of Dayton | MB | RS-Jr. |
| Camryn Turner | University of Kansas | S | So. |
| Megan Wielonski | Ball State University | S | So. |
Midwest Region Player of the Year: Eleanor Holthaus, Iowa State University, OH, Sr.
Midwest Region Freshman of the Year: Maya Duckworth, Iowa State University, OH
Midwest Region Coach of the Year: Christy Johnson-Lynch, Iowa State University
North Region
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bekka Allick | University of Nebraska | MB | Fr. |
| Carter Booth | University of Minnesota | MB | Fr. |
| CC McGraw | University of Minnesota | L | Gr. |
| Elizabeth Juhnke | University of South Dakota | OH | Jr. |
| Jess Mruzik | University of Michigan | OH | Jr. |
| Jess Robinson | University of Michigan | MB | Sr. |
| Kaitlyn Hord | University of Nebraska | MB | Sr. |
| Lexi Rodriguez | University of Nebraska | L | So. |
| Madi Kubik | University of Nebraska | OH | Sr. |
| Melani Shaffmaster | University of Minnesota | S | Jr. |
| Natalie Foster | Wichita State University | MB | So. |
| Taylor Landfair | University of Minnesota | OH | R-So. |
| Temi Thomas-Ailare | Northwestern University | OH | Sr. |
| Whitney Lauenstein | University of Nebraska | OH | So. |
Honorable Mention
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hannah Grant | University of Michigan | L | R-Jr. |
| May Pertofsky | University of Michigan | OPP | Sr. |
| Anastasia Russ | University of Maryland | MB | R-Jr. |
| Syra Tanchin | North Dakota State | OH | Sr. |
| Jenna Wenaas | University of Minnesota | OH | Jr. |
| Mckenna Wucherer | University of Minnesota | OH | Fr. |
North Region Player of the Year: Taylor Landfair, University of Minnesota, OH, R-So.
North Region Freshman of the Year: Carter Booth, University of Minnesota, MB
North Region Coach of the Year: Leanne Williamson, University of South Dakota
Northeast Region
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selesia Elisaia | Penn State University | S | Gr. |
| Sarah Franklin | University of Wisconsin | OH | RS-So. |
| Paula Gursching | Youngstown State University | OH | So. |
| Danielle Hart | University of Wisconsin | MB | Gr. |
| Allie Holland | Penn State University | MB | Jr. |
| Eva Hudson | Purdue University | OH | Fr. |
| Lindsey Kelly | Princeton University | S | Sr. |
| Emily Londot | The Ohio State University | RS | Jr. |
| Kylie Murr | The Ohio State University | L | Sr. |
| Julia Orzol | University of Wisconsin | OH | So. |
| Mac Podraza | The Ohio State University | S | Sr. |
| Devyn Robinson | University of Wisconsin | RS | Jr. |
| Raina Terry | University of Illinois | OH | Jr. |
| Kaushauna Williams | Penn State University | OH | Gr. |
Honorable Mention
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raven Colvin | Purdue University | MB | So. |
| Gabby Gonzales | The Ohio State University | OH | Sr. |
| Julia Kurowski | Colgate University | S/H | Gr. |
| Jenna Story | Wright State University | L | Gr. |
| Caitlin O'Farrell | Ohio University | MB | Sr. |
| Camryn Haworth | Indiana University | S/H | So. |
| Lauryn Hovey | Bowling Green State University | S/H | Fr. |
| Petra Indrova | Bowling Green State University | OH | Sr. |
Northeast Region Player of the Year: Emily Londot, The Ohio State University, RS, Jr.
Northeast Region Freshman of the Year: Eva Hudson, Purdue University, OH
Northeast Region Coach of the Year: Kelly Sheffield, University of Wisconsin
Pacific North Region
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catie Baird | Stanford University | OH | RS-Jr. |
| Mimi Colyer | University of Oregon | OH | Fr. |
| Maia Dvoracek | Cailfornia Polytechnic State University | OPP | Sr. |
| Marin Grote | University of Washington | MB | Sr. |
| Claire Hoffman | University of Washington | OH | Sr. |
| Amber Igiede | University of Hawai'i | MB | Jr. |
| Magda Jehlarova | Washington State University | MB | Sr. |
| Kendall Kipp | Stanford University | OPP | Sr. |
| Kami Miner | Stanford University | S | So. |
| Brooke Nuneviller | University of Oregon | OH | Sr. |
| Elena Oglivie | Stanford University | L | Jr. |
| Ella May Powell | University of Washington | S | Sr. |
| Hannah Pukis | University of Oregon | S | RS-Jr. |
| Pia Timmer | Washington State University | OH | Sr. |
Honorable Mention
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joi Harvey | U.S. Air Force Academy | MB | Jr. |
| Laura Jansen | Washington State University | OH | Sr. |
| Georgia Murphy | University of Oregon | L | Jr. |
| Gloria Mutiri | University of Oregon | OPP | Sr. |
| Elia Rubin | Stanford University | OH | Fr. |
| Julia Sangiacomo | Santa Clara University | OH | Sr. |
Pacific North Region Player of the Year: Kendall Kipp, Stanford University, OPP, Sr.
Pacific North Region Freshman of the Year: Mimi Colyer, University of Oregon, OH
Pacific North Region Coach of the Year: Kevin Hambley, Stanford University
Pacific South Region
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gabby Blossom | University of San Diego | S | Gr. |
| Skylar Fields | University of Southern California | OH | Sr. |
| Grace Frohling | University of San Diego | OPP | Sr. |
| Jhenna Gabriel | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | S | Gr. |
| Kari Geissberger | Loyola Marymount University | OH | So. |
| Heather Gneiting | Bringham Young University | MB | Sr. |
| Meegan Hart | University of Colorado | MB | Gr. |
| Erin Livingston | Bringham Young University | OH | Jr. |
| Katie Lukes | University of San Diego | OH | RS-Sr. |
| Isabel Martin | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | OH | RS-Jr. |
| Jacquelyn Moore | Loyola Marymount University | MB | So. |
| Onye Ofoegbu | University of California, Irvine | MB | Jr. |
| Madelyn Robinson | University of Utah | OH | Gr. |
| Mia Tuaniga | University of Southern California | S | Jr. |
Honorable Mention
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoebe Awoleye | Loyola Marymount University | MB | So. |
| Leyla Blackwell | University of San Diego | MB | Jr. |
| KJ Burgess | University of Utah | MB | Fr. |
| Anna Dodson | University of California, Los Angeles | MB | RS-Jr. |
| Charitie Luper | University of California, Los Angeles | OH | So. |
| Macall Peed | University of California, Santa Barbara | L | Jr. |
Pacific South Region Player of the Year: Gabby Blossom, University of San Diego, S, Gr.
Pacific South Region Freshman of the Year: KJ Burgess, University of Utah, MB
Pacific South Region Coach of the Year: Jennifer Petrie, University of San Diego
South Region
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akasha Anderson | Auburn University | OH | Fr. |
| Callie Bauer | Western Kentucky University | S | RS-Fr. |
| Paige Briggs | Western Kentucky University | OH | Sr. |
| Sanaa Dotson | Louisiana State University | OH | Sr. |
| Emani Foster | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | OH | Jr. |
| Jillian Gillen | University of Arkansas | OH | Jr. |
| Taylor Head | University of Arkansas | OH | Jr. |
| Ella Larkin | Louisiana State University | L | So. |
| Logan Lednicky | Texas A&M University | RS | Fr. |
| Lauren Matthews | Western Kentucky University | MB | Gr. |
| Caroline Meuth | Texas A&M University | OH | Gr. |
| Kailin Newsome | Southeastern Louisiana | OH | Jr. |
| Sasha Ratliff | University of Mississippi | MB | Jr. |
| Gabby Waden | Mississippi State University | RS | Gr. |
Honorable Mention
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anita Anwusi | Louisiana State University | MB | Sr. |
| Anna Bair | University of Mississippi | OH | Sr. |
| Sophia Hudepohl | Lipscomb University | S | Fr. |
| Katie Isenbarger | Western Kentucky University | MB | Gr. |
| Kendal Kemp | Auburn University | MB | Fr. |
| Bailey Tillman | McNeese State University | L | So. |
South Region Player of the Year: Lauren Matthews, Western Kentucky University, MB, Gr.
South Region Freshman of the Year: Akasha Anderson, Auburn University, OH
South Region Coach of the Year: Brent Crouch, Auburn University
Southeast Region
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merritt Beason | University of Florida | RS | So. |
| Kacie Evans | University of Georgia | OH | Sr. |
| Morgahn Fingall | University of Tennessee | RS | Sr. |
| Sophie Fischer | University of Georgia | MB | Jr. |
| Kate Georgiades | University of Houston | L | Jr. |
| Emma Grome | University of Kentucky | S | So. |
| Jenna Hampton | University of South Carolina | L | Sr. |
| Abigail Jackson | University of Houston | OH | Sr. |
| Marina Markova | University of Florida | OH | Sr. |
| McKenna Melville | University of Central Florida | OH | Sr. |
| Adanna Rollins | University of Kentucky | OH | Sr. |
| Reagan Rutherford | University of Kentucky | RS | Jr. |
| Alexis Stucky | University of Florida | S | Fr. |
| Azhani Tealer | University of Kentucky | MB | Sr. |
Honorable Mention
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sophie Davis | James Madison University | MB | Sr. |
| Claudia Dillon | University of Central Florida | MB | Sr. |
| Lily Felts | Florida Gulf Coast University | OH | Gr. |
| Merry Gebel | Western Carolina University | OH | Gr. |
| Chelsey Lockey | Florida Gulf Coast University | S | Sr. |
| Rocio Moro | University of North Florida | L | Jr. |
| Sydney Palazzolo | High Point University | OH | So. |
| Miëtte Veldman | James Madison University | OH | Jr. |
| Sofia Victoria | University of Florida | OH | Jr. |
| Dominique Washington | Florida A&M University | OH | Gr. |
Southeast Region Player of the Year: McKenna Melville, University of Central Florida, OH, Sr.
Southeast Region Freshman of the Year: Alexis Stucky, University of Florida, S
Southeast Region Coach of the Year: David Rehr, University of Houston
Southwest Region
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anota Adekunle | Rice University | MB | Sr. |
| Emily DeWalt | Texas State University-San Marcos | S | Sr. |
| Logan Eggleston | University of Texas | OH | Sr. |
| Janell Fitzgerald | Texas State University-San Marcos | OPP | Sr. |
| Zoe Fleck | University of Texas | L | Sr. |
| Carly Graham | Rice University | S | Sr. |
| Saige Ka'aha'aina-Torres | University of Texas | S | Sr. |
| Kara McGhee | Baylor University | MB | Sr. |
| Audrey Nalls | Texas Christian University | OH | Sr. |
| Asjia O'Neal | University of Texas | MB | Sr. |
| Molly Phillips | University of Texas | OPP | Jr. |
| Kenna Sauer | Texas Tech University | OH | Sr. |
| Madisen Skinner | University of Texas | OH | So. |
| Megan Wilson | University of Oklahoma | OH | So. |
Honorable Mention
| Name | School | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carissa Barnes | Texas A&M University-Corpus Christ | L | Sr. |
| Ielan Bradley | Stephen F. Austin University | OPP | Jr. |
| Averi Carlson | Baylor University | S | Fr. |
| Sarah Cruz | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | OH | Sr. |
| Lauren Harrison | Baylor University | OH | Sr. |
| Kyndal Payne | Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi | OH | So. |
| Mallory Talbert | Baylor University | MB | Sr. |
Southwest Region Player of the Year: Logan Eggleston, University of Texas, OH, Sr.
Southwest Region Freshman of the Year: Averi Carlson, Baylor University, S
Southwest Region Coach of the Year: Jerritt Elliott, University of Texas
2022 AVCA Division I Region Coaches of the Year
The following coaches have been selected by their regions as AVCA Region Coaches of the Year. Each of the honorees can be considered for the AVCA National Coach of the Year. The awards will be officially presented at the Jostens Coaches Honors Luncheon in Omaha, Nebraska, on Thursday, Dec. 15 at the 2022 AVCA Convention.
East Region Coach of the Year
Dani Busboom Kelly, University of Louisville
2022 Record (as of Dec. 6): 28-2
It has been another banner year for the Cardinals under Busboom Kelly. As a follow up to the 2021 NCAA semifinal season, her team captured a third-straight ACC title and brings a 28-2 record into this week's NCAA Regional. Louisville has faced the nation's second-toughest schedule and has wins against 10 ranked opponents. Busboom Kelly was this year's ACC Coach of the Year.
East Coast Region Coach of the Year
Dan Fisher
2022 Record (as of Dec. 6): 29-3
The Panthers have been on a roll in Fisher's 10th season as the school's head coach. The 2022 success, which has included his team sharing the ACC title and being ranked in the top 20 all season, is a continuation for a groundbreaking past five seasons. In that stretch, Pitt has the most wins of any Division I school (138) and made its first NCAA semifinal appearance (2021).
Midwest Region Coach of the Year
Christy Johnson-Lynch, Iowa State University
2022 Record (as of Dec. 6): 20-12
Johnson-Lynch and the Cyclones made it another season to remember in 2022. Iowa State advanced to its 15th NCAA Tournament in her 18 years at the school and the first-round win last weekend over Florida Gulf Coast was her 350th career win. Her squad has the distinction of being the only team this season to beat Texas, as ISU took down the No. 1 Longhorns 3-2 in Ames Oct. 19.
North Region Coach of the Year
Leanne Williamson, University of South Dakota
2022 Record (as of Dec. 6): 29-4
Williamson picks up her first AVCA Region Coach of the Year honor after South Dakota went 29-3 in 2022. In her ninth season as Coyote head coach, she led the team to the conference title—and the NCAA tournament—for the third time in the last four years. She also was selected as the Summit League Coach of the Year for the third time in her career at South Dakota.
Northeast Region Coach of the Year
Kelly Sheffield, University of Wisconsin
2022 Record (as of Dec. 6): 27-3
Sheffield isn't resting on his laurels following a historic 2021 season, in which the Badgers captured the school's first women's volleyball title. This year's edition of the Badgers emerged from the rugged Big Ten as the 2022 regular-season champs and they enter the NCAA Regional on a 20-match win streak. In October, the veteran coach picked up his 250th win since he took over at Wisconsin in 2013.
Pacific North Region Coach of the Year
Kevin Hambley, Stanford University
2022 Record (as of Dec. 6): 26-4
It is easy to forget this is only Hambley's sixth season on The Farm. During that time, he has led the Cardinal to three-straight NCAA semifinal appearancess, two of which resulted in national titles (2018 and 2019). This year's Stanford team seeks to add to that legacy, and, based on its 19-1 conference record and a current 20-match victory streak, earning more NCAA hardware seems possible.
Pacific South Region Coach of the Year
Jennifer Petrie, University of San Diego
2022 Record (as of Dec. 6): 29-1
It has been a magical season for the San Diego in 2022, which is Coach Petrie's 24th at USD. Her team enters the NCAA Regional 29-1 and boasts the longest current win streak in Division I at 26. The Toreros have been ranked in the top 5 of the AVCA Coaches' Poll since mid-September and spent four weeks at No. 2, which ties the program record for highest ranking.
South Region Coach of the Year
Brent Crouch, Auburn University
2022 Record (as of Dec. 6): 22-9
It was a season of firsts for Auburn volleyball. Crouch's Tigers roared out of the gates to a program-best 14-0 start and finished the season 22-9, which is the school's highest win total in the rally-scoring era. They earned a bid for the NCAA Tournament for only the second time in Auburn history and made the most of the appearance, knocking off No. 14 Creighton in the first round in the Blue Jays home gym.
Southeast Region Coach of the Year
David Rehr, University of Houston
2022 Record (as of Dec. 6): 30-3
The 2022 Southeast Regional and AAC Coach of the Year has enjoyed a ton of success in his four seasons as the Cougars' head coach. He became the fastest coach in program history to 50 wins, and this year's 30 victories set a single-season school record. When Houston entered the AVCA Coaches' Poll at No. 24 on Oct. 17, it marked the first time since the 1994 season it had cracked the Top 25.
Southwest Region Coach of the Year
Jerritt Elliott, University of Texas
2022 Record (as of Dec. 6): 24-1
With two victories in this weekend's regional play, Elliott and his team would advance to the NCAA semifinal round for the 10th time since he took over as the Longhorns' head coach in 2001. He earned a couple of milestone career victories this season, picking up his 600th overall win and 550th at Texas in a 3-1 late October win over Kansas State.
