Another historic chip has fallen for the Aurora University women's volleyball program in their already historic season on and off the court in 2017. Following the Spartans history making appearance in the NCAA Division III Regional and first Spartans represented on the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Region Teams, AU juniorÂ
Katie Vondra raised the bar once again.
The outside hitter became the first AU women's volleyball player in the programs 42 years of play to receive All-American recognition from the AVCA. A 2017 AVCA Second-Team All-American selection, Vondra was named AVCA Midwest All-Region a week ago.
"I am so proud of Katie and all the that she accomplished," said AU Head CoachÂ
James Seitelman. "Individual awards are nice but she would be the first to say she couldn't have done with without being apart of a great team. This year has been amazing with so many team and individual honors, I am so happy for Katie and all her teammates.Â
Last season, Vondra was recognized by the AVCA as an Honorable Mention All-Region performer. In 2017, Vondra led the Spartans with 4.21 kills per set and a .226 hitting percentage. She also averaged 3.03 digs per set on the defensive side of the net. Against regionally ranked opponents, Vondra had even better numbers with 4.34 kills per set, a .252 hit percentage and 3,29 digs per set.
"It is an honor to be the first women's volleyball player at AU to be recognized as an All-American," said Vondra. "I couldn't have accomplished what I have this year without the support of my teammates on and off the court. We have achieved a lot of firsts this year as a team and I can't wait to see what's in store for us next season."
AU finished the 2017 season with a 26-8 overall record and were 10-1 with a second-place finish in the NACC. The Spartans set program history in becoming the first team to reach the NCAA Division III Tournament and then won the opening set of the match to win their first set ever in NCAA play.
