Bryan News

Wed, Nov 11, 2009 - [Volleyball]
Bryan College senior MB Amber Smith was named the Appalachian Athletic Conference Player of the Year at the AAC Awards Ceremony today.  Several of her teammates were also named to All-Conference Teams.  As a team, the Lady Lions were honored for being Regular Season Co-Champions.
 
Smith was honored for her stellar play in the regular season, guiding the Lions to their first regular season championship, which they share with Union College with a 15-1 conference record. Smith was named AAC Player of the Week four times during the season, and led the conference in blocks per game throughout the season.  Amber was second in the conference in hitting percentage (.348), and was third in the conference in kills per game.  She set a single-game record for the Lions in a non-conference match against Asbury, and guided the Lions to break team single-match records twice in blocks per game. 

 

"I am thrilled to see Amber honored this way in her final year of play," said Bryan's Head Coach Leo Sayles, "She has had a tremendous career, yet elevated her play this year.  She has carried the team throughout the season.  Without her, I am not sure we would have a 15-1 conference record."

 

When asked about the award, Smith commented, "Without my team behind me, this award would have been impossible.  I have been blessed with the same setter for the past four years, which has led to us being very close on the court.  Our defensive specialists are also amazing and we all work together so well.  Receiving this award was a great honor and also a reflection of how great my team is."
The Lady Lions also received several other individual awards.  Below are the awards and the recipients:
 
 
All-Conference 1st Team:
Amanda Manke (Sr)
Amber Smith (Sr)
Alison Young (Jr)
 
 
All-Freshman Team:
Kaylan Dilts
 
 
Academic All-Conference:
Chelsie Blackburn (So)
Jessica Etress (Jr)
Caitlyn Fuller (Jr)
Jessica Jones (So)
Amanda Manke (Sr)
Lauren Pratt (Jr)
Amber Smith (Sr)
Ashley Sours (Jr)
Alison Young (Jr)
To receive the Academic All-Conference award the recipient must be at least a sophomore and have at least a 3.25 GPA.