The 2024 women's college volleyball season was one for the books. krikya18.com's Michella Chester shares her end-of-season superlatives.
Let's do it!
Best hairstyle: Cat Flood, Pitt
She styled her hair in so many different ways on game day, and it was always so good.
Most electric player: Laney Choboy, Nebraska
This was a tough choice with so many electric players, but I have to give it to Laney Choboy. Her incredible plays and reactions never fail to fire me up.
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Top leader: Anna DeBeer, Louisville
This was an easy choice for me after witnessing how Anna DeBeer led her team, even while sidelined with an injury. She took charge during every huddle and timeout, finding ways to lead her teammates, even from off the court.
Most dangerous attacker: Olivia Babcock, Pitt
Another easy choice for me is the AVCA Player of the Year, Olivia Babcock—she was unreal.
That said, a shoutout to Penn State's Jess Mruzik, especially for her incredible performance in the championship. Her shots were nothing short of spectacular.
Team of the Year: SMU
This award isn’t just for the champions—I’m giving it to SMU. They started the season unranked and off most people’s radar, but they defied expectations, beating the top two teams in the country and finishing the regular season as a top 10 program.
Biggest impact transfer: Caroline Jurevicius, Penn State
There’s no greater impact than transferring into a program and leading it all the way to the national championship game.
Best celebrations: Charitie Luper, Louisville
She gets that fire in her eyes and competes like no one else on the court—an absolute thrill to watch.
Top story of the year: Katie Schumacher-Cawley, Penn State
Katie Schumacher-Cawley made history as the first woman head coach to win a national title, all while courageously battling breast cancer. Truly inspiring.
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Best slide attack: Andi Jackson, Nebraska
One of the top offensive middles throughout the entire season.
Program changer award: Melanie Parra, TCU
She has made an incredible impact on TCU, becoming the program's first AVCA First Team All-American. This season, TCU achieved its first-ever top-25 ranking.
Biggest inspiration: Lexi Rodriguez, Nebraska
I could go on and on about her impact on the sport and the libero position. A finalist for AVCA Player of the Year, she has been a role model for the next generation.
Best team handshakes: Penn State
This award definitely belongs to Penn State. Their team has full-blown routines, and I love it.
Biggest tournament upset: Loyola Chicago
First, they upset Dayton in the conference title to secure a spot in the tournament and then followed it up with an impressive first-round upset over BYU.
Most relentless: Elena Scott, Louisville
One of the best defenders in the game and she's absolutely relentless.
Match takeover: Kennedy Martin, Florida
I'm giving it to Kennedy Martin for her numerous 30-plus kill matches. It became the norm for her to surpass 30 kills per match, which is truly insane to think about.
Jumps out of the gym: Lexie Almodovar, Dayton
An undersized outside hitter, but it didn’t matter one bit. She led her team to make history in the tournament this year.
Most underrated player: Kendra Wait, Creighton
One of the best setters in the country, she led her team to the regional finals. She deserves so much credit for everything she’s accomplished—an unreal athlete.
