Four represent Women’s Volleyball on Academic All-District Team

SALISBURY, N.C. — The Catawba College women's volleyball program earned four selections to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team released Tuesday afternoon. Kary Hales, Lauren Bodell, Kelcie Love, and Riley Hill garnered recognition for their performances both in the classroom and on the court.

Student-athletes must satisfy both academic and athletic criteria to qualify for award reception. Academically, the nominee must be at least a sophomore, be enrolled at the institution as an undergraduate or graduate student, and maintain at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA. Athletically, volleyball players must compete in 90 percent or start at least 66 percent of the team's matches.

Hales, a senior defensive specialist, finished second on the team with 247 digs for a 2.74 per-set average and received at a .949 clip. On offense, the Salisbury native collected 24 assists and 13 service aces. Majoring in exercise science, Hales has a near-perfect 3.969 GPA in her fourth year at Catawba.

Bodell put together a strong season at the outside hitter slot with 107 kills, averaging 1.53 darts and 1.8 points per set. The Woods Cross, Utah product was a vital part of the Catawba blocking corps with 34 stops including five solo denials. Bodell holds an exceptional cumulative GPA of 3.923 as an elementary education major.

Love eclipsed the 100-kill mark for the third consecutive season, blasting a team-high 184 kills on a .113 hitting percentage to contribute 2.5 points per stanza. The outside hitter from Mount Ulla was also stout defensively with 18 blocks, five solos, and 47 digs. A biology major, Love boasts a 3.626 GPA while studying biology.

The Catawba Indians' everyday libero, Hill amassed 393 digs for 4.42 per set with a .925 reception percentage in her sophomore campaign. The Salisbury product posted a team-best 23 service aces while landing third on the squad with 77 assists. In the classroom, Hill carries a 3.840 GPA and remains undeclared.

Hales has advanced to the Academic All-America ballot to be voted on by CSC members. The Academic All-America Team will be announced on Jan. 14, 2025.