University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Volleyball Team Holds First Awards Banquet
2/10/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Feb. 10, 2010
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Southern Miss Head Volleyball Coach Ricci Luyties and his staff handed out several awards to players at the first awards banquet on Sunday afternoon in the Touchdown Club in the South Endzone.
Sophomores Ashley Mell and Kelsea Seymour came away with the top honor, the Sharon Montgomery Award, awarded to the team's most valuable players. This is the first time for this award, but it will be given annually to the team's most valuable player.
Sophomore Lisa Knecht was the recipient of the Coach's Award given to a player who puts the team before anything and for her continued work ethnic and attitude exhibited each day whether it's practice or a game.
Freshman Brianna Arvin received the "Most Improved Player" Award.
Four players were recognized for earning All-Conference USA honors - Angela Hlavaty, Mell and Seymour - earned first team all-conference honors as well as Maia Ivanova earning second team honors. Seymour was tabbed Co-Setter of the Year.
Lauren Sears was recognized for her academic success as she was named to the Conference USA All-Academic team and to the ESPN The Magazine All-District VI first team. Caitlin Clarke received recognition for her ESPN The Magazine District VI third team honor.
Rounding out the awards was Mell and Seymour received ACVA Honorable Mention All-Region and All-American honors.
Director of Athletics Richard Giannini recognized head coach Ricci Luyties for being named the Conference USA Coach of the Year and also the volleyball team for the winning the school's first volleyball regular season championship.
