Six Spartans Earn All-America Honors
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Melissa Vanderhall became the second player in University of Tampa volleyball history to be a three-time first-team All-American as the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced its 30th annual All-America teams for NCAA Division II.
A total of six Spartans were represented with Meghan Sherman joining Vanderhall on the first team. Danielle Selkridge was a second-team selection as Kaleigh Cunningham, Julie Howlett and Sam Macks were honorable mention choices. Vanderhall joins former Spartan Ania Ruiz as the lone Tampa players to earn first-team accolades on three occasions.
Exactly two-thirds (28) of the athletes honored on the AVCA All-America teams in 2010 are first-time recipients of the award. Headlining this year's selections are Vanderhall, who earns her third-straight First-Team mention. Joining Vanderhall as repeat First-Team selections are Jane Chafeh (California State University San Bernardino) and Sherman (University of Tampa).
After winning the NCAA South Regional, the Spartans are making the program's 13th appearance in the national quarterfinals and second consecutive showing. UT will face Grand Valley State University on Thursday at 5 p.m. in Louisville.
The 2010 All-America selections were made by the AVCA Division II All-America Committee: Laurie Lokash, Slippery Rock University, chairperson; Mario Andaya, Central Washington University; Christy Benner, Wheeling Jesuit University; Jeff Boyland, University of Central Oklahoma; Shelton Collier, Wingate University; Debbie Hendricks, Metropolitan State College; ; Stephanie Radecki, University of North Alabama; Deanne Scanlon, Grand Valley State University and Gail Wasmus, New York Institute of Technology.