University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Photo by: Sharon Ellman
Kylie Grandy, Abbey Wilson Claim AVCA Top-Flight Award
5/4/2021 4:22:00 PM | Beach Volleyball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Southern Miss beach volleyball stars Kylie Grandy and Abbey Wilson expanded their resumes even further Tuesday as they earned Top Flight Award honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
Grandy and Wilson each won a school-record 39 wins in their three-year careers, competing alongside each other since the midpoint of the team's inaugural 2019 campaign. The Golden Eagles matched their program-record of 11 wins despite playing by far their toughest schedule to date. Grandy and Wilson competed on the No. 1 court all 37 matches (finishing 21-16), notching ranked victories over Georgia State (twice), South Carolina (twice) and FIU.
The season ended with plenty to celebrate at the CCSA Championships. The pair earned a 21-13, 22-20 Friday win over UAB that marked both the program's first on that stage, as well as the first over the Blazers after three all-time meetings, including two this season.
Later that evening, the Golden Eagles were pressed back into short-notice action as weather affected tournament planning. Nevertheless, Grandy and Wilson again claimed a 21-16, 17-21, 15-13 victory over ULM to help Southern Miss continue its season.
"It's great for Abbey and Kylie to receive this award and recognition," head coach Shawn Taylor said. "They consistently performed at a high level all season while playing the opposition's best. Opposing coaches and players constantly commended both Abbey and Kylie on their sportsmanship, teamwork, skill and overall joy for playing the game."
In order for a pair to be eligible for the award, two athletes must compete in at least 15 matches together and at a specific flight number. Should that pair win at least 75 percent of their matches – regardless of the overall result of the dual – those athletes will achieve "Top Flight" status. The award is open to all teams whose active head coach is an AVCA member.
Grandy and Wilson each won a school-record 39 wins in their three-year careers, competing alongside each other since the midpoint of the team's inaugural 2019 campaign. The Golden Eagles matched their program-record of 11 wins despite playing by far their toughest schedule to date. Grandy and Wilson competed on the No. 1 court all 37 matches (finishing 21-16), notching ranked victories over Georgia State (twice), South Carolina (twice) and FIU.
The season ended with plenty to celebrate at the CCSA Championships. The pair earned a 21-13, 22-20 Friday win over UAB that marked both the program's first on that stage, as well as the first over the Blazers after three all-time meetings, including two this season.
Later that evening, the Golden Eagles were pressed back into short-notice action as weather affected tournament planning. Nevertheless, Grandy and Wilson again claimed a 21-16, 17-21, 15-13 victory over ULM to help Southern Miss continue its season.
"It's great for Abbey and Kylie to receive this award and recognition," head coach Shawn Taylor said. "They consistently performed at a high level all season while playing the opposition's best. Opposing coaches and players constantly commended both Abbey and Kylie on their sportsmanship, teamwork, skill and overall joy for playing the game."
In order for a pair to be eligible for the award, two athletes must compete in at least 15 matches together and at a specific flight number. Should that pair win at least 75 percent of their matches – regardless of the overall result of the dual – those athletes will achieve "Top Flight" status. The award is open to all teams whose active head coach is an AVCA member.
Players Mentioned
/ Beach Volleyball
/ Beach Volleyball
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