The New York University Women's Volleyball Team was featured heavily in the recently announced 2021 All-University Athletic Association (UAA) Awards.
A total of five student-athletes, as well as the entire NYU coaching staff, were recognized.
"I think it's amazing to see these awards roll in for our outstanding student-athletes," said Head Coach
Andrew Brown. "They work so hard day in and day out, both in the classroom and on the court. They show every day that both academic and athletic excellence can be achieved. The ceiling is no longer the limit with this group, and we are excited to carry this momentum into NCAA Tournament."
Middle blocker
Abby Ausmus (San Diego, CA/La Jolla Country Day School) was named Most Valuable Player and First Team All-UAA
. She finished first in the UAA with a .412 hitting percentage, averaging 1.97 kills per set. Ausmus, who has played in all 27 matches for NYU, received two UAA Athlete of the Week- Offense honors during the season.
Libero
Lindsey Hirano (South Pasadena, CA/South Pasadena) was recognized as UAA Freshman Rookie of the Year. She finished second in the UAA with 5.03 digs per set and 473 digs on the season. Hirano also was named First Team All-UAA, received two UAA Athlete of the Week- Defense/Setting honors, and was the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Defensive Player of the Month in October.
Outside hitters
Haley Holz (Palatine, IL/Palatine) and
Ella Spaethling (Larkspur, CA/Redwood) were also named First Team All-UAA
. Holz was second in the UAA and led the Violets with 3.14 kills per set. She also received UAA Athlete of the Week- Offense honors on two occasions and was the ECAC Metro Offensive Player of the Month in September. Spaethling finished fourth in the UAA and second on NYU with 2.85 kills per set. She tallied two UAA Athlete of the Week- Offense honors throughout the season.
Dominique Drust (Coto de Caza, CA/Santa Margarita Catholic) was also recognized, earning Honorable Mention accolades. She placed second on the Violets and 8
th in the UAA with 371 assists.
NYU also shared Coaching Staff of the Year honors with the University of Chicago. Brown and Assistant Coaches
Rachel Bello and
Amanda Colombo led NYU to a 26-1 record, going 6-1 in conference play and winning the team's first-ever UAA Championship.
NYU continues its historic season with competition in the NCAA Tournament. The Violets travel to Hoboken, NJ, this Friday, November 12, at 12:30pm to take on Brooklyn College.
