Recapping The Top Story Of 2023: Women's Volleyball

Elgin, IL - After the fall women's volleyball season concluded, the CCAC Conference, NCCAA, and NAIA released their 2023 Fall Scholar Athlete selections. 

Much like on the court, it was a banner season for the Women's Volleyball Team with year-end awards and accolades. 

The Eagles' program totaled ten recipients on the list of honorees for the CCAC Conference. 

Junior Alyssa Gerzel had a banner season. On the court, she surpassed 1,000 career kills. She was also named to all three academic lists. The Biology major posted over a 3.900 GPA, and is a two time recipient for the CCAC Conference list. Gerzel was also named to the NCCAA All-America Second Team, NCCAA North Central All Region First Team, an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention, NAIA Mideast All Region First Team, and one of four Eagles named to the CCAC All-Conference First Team. 

Senior Lindsay Lawlor surpassed 2,000 career assists. She was also named to all three academic lists. The Psycology major is a three time recipient for the CCAC Conference list with over a 3.600 GPA. Lawlor was named to the All Conference First Team, an NAIA Mideast All Region First Teamer, NCCAA North Central All Region Second Team, and the CCAC Conference Setter of the Year. Lawlor also received a special award from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as their Northwest Chicago Female Athlete of the Year. 

Senior Emmaline Davey also reached the 1,000 career kills milestone this season. She was a CCAC All Conference First Teamer, an NCCAA North Central All Region Second Teamer, and an NAIA Mideast All Region First Teamer. 

Senior Kenia Diaz Vega eclipsed 1,000 career digs this season. She was named to the CCAC All Conference First Team, and also named the Conference Libero of the Year. In addition, she was named to the NCCAA Nort Central All Region Second Team, and an NAIA Mideast All Region Honorable Mention. 

Senior Kyah Golding was named to all three academic lists. The Elementary Education major is a three time recipient of the conference honor, and posted over a 3.500 GPA. 

Sophomore Carolina Cosme was named to the conference list. The Health Promotion & Performance major recorded over a 3.400 GPA. 

Another sophomore, Yomailis Fernandez was named to the conference list, and NAIA list. The Psychology major had over a 3.600 GPA. 

Senior Kara Wicklund was named to all three academic lists, and is a three time recipient for the conference. The Architecture major earned over a 3.600 GPA. 

Senior Lindsay Paulsen was named to all three academic lists, and is also a three time conference recipient. The Elementary Education earned a 3.800 GPA. 

Sophomore Ariadna Marquez was named to the CCAC conference and NAIA lists. The Interior Design major had over a 3.500 GPA. 

A Computer Science major, senior Danielle Gibson received a CCAC Conference academinc honor with over a 3.200 GPA. 

Senior, two sport athlete Evelyn Martin received a CCAC Conference and NCCAA honor as a Elementary Education major with over a 3.400 GPA. 

First year Head Coach Alyssa Serewicz-Wido was also named the CCAC Conference Head Coach of the Year as the Eagles went on the win the Regular Season Conference Championship. JU also reached the Tournament Championship Game finishing as the runner-up. 

This season showcased a 23 win season, with a 13-game win streak highlighting the run. It all culminated in an NAIA National Tournament birth. 

As 2023 Conference Regular Season Champions, it was a fantastic year for the Eagles. It is why they are the top story of 2023, and there are high hopes to Soar in 2024.