Wolverines Sweep All-Independent Yearly Awards
Nov. 15, 2007
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OREM, Utah - Utah Valley swept the four major Division I Independent volleyball awards on Thursday, led by Jessica Endres as the offensive and Allyce Wilson as the defensive players of the year. Head coach Sam Atoa was named Independent Coach of the Year for the second time in three seasons while Kayli Broadbent earned Freshman of the Year honors. The Wolverines were well represented on the first team with Endres, Camie Manwill, Kristi Lindley and Wilson all on the first team. Broadbent earned second team honors in just her rookie season. Endres received eight first place votes in the offensive player of the year ballot and was a near-unanimous first team selection, getting 110 out of 120 possible points. "I'm thrilled," said Atoa. "Jessica is well deserving of that honor. She's been our leader throughout the year. I'm happy that she's been able to accomplish everything that she's been hoping for." Broadbent won the freshman of the year category by receiving nine out of a possible 12 votes and missed being on the first team by just one point. "Coming in we had an idea of what to expect from Kayli, but you can never be sure with freshmen," said Atoa. "She was instrumental in helping us get to where we are and was quite dependable when we had to rely on her. She is only going to get better." Wilson, who is in her first season at Utah Valley, won the defensive award by receiving eight votes. "She's been huge for with both her leadership and her back row defense and awareness," said Atoa. "Her play has allowed to get second and third opportunities and that's been a big part of our success. Atoa received 10 out of 12 possible votes in the coach of the year balloting. He also won the award in 2005, the first time that the team won the independent championship. "I'm honored to be selected but it's because of the great individuals that we have, that have been able to understand the foundation we are trying to set and that they want to learn," said Atoa. " It's been a privilege being able to coach them. I'm thrilled for their individual success and our team's success." All players were nominated and voted on by sports information directors and head coaches at seven independent volleyball institutions. |
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