The Appalachian Athletic Conference honored its regular season award winners today in ceremonies held at the tournament championship, hosted by the Kingsport Marriott Meadowview Resort.

The AAC Individual award winners:
Player of the Year - Amber Smith, Bryan College
Coach of the Year - Whitney Elam, Union College
Setter of the Year - Monica Moreland, Union College
Libero of the Year - Amanda Silva, Union College
Freshman of the Year - Chelsea Spivey, Milligan College


Union College received three individual awards during the ceremonies. Head Coach Whitney Erb was named AAC Coach of the Year for guiding the Bulldogs to a 15-1 conference record and a share of the regular season Conference Championship.  When asked about her award, the third year coach said, "The part of this award that means the most to me is that it was given to me by my peers.  However, this award is about the players - all of their hard work and dedication to help us reach our goals."

Union's Jr. Setter Monica Moreland was named the AAC Setter of the Year for the third time.  Monica led the conference in assists with 10.9 assists per game.  She was honored five times this season as AAC player of the week, and six times as the Setter of the week.  After the ceremonies, Moreland commented, "Each year, this award means more and more.  It is always a great honor to receive a personal award, but I everyone, especially my teammates, to know that I appreciate all they do in order for me to accept this award.  Being a setter is an extremely hard position.  Being the recipient of an award that singles out one setter, there are no words to describe the magnitude of my appreciation for this honor.  I appreciate the conference and team for recognizing my effort along with all of the other (recipients).

Union's Jr. Libero Amanda Silva was named the AAC Libero of the Year.  Silva, who played on the 2007 NAIA Champion National American University team, was a key component of the Bulldog's championship.  Silva led the conference in aces per game (.06 per game) and was second in the conference in digs per game (6.2/gm), and was honored five times as the Libero of the week.  When asked to comment on her selection for the award, Silva replied, "This award means so much to me, and reflects my hard work despite the struggle of being away from home and family.  It also is a reflection of my love for volleyball and everything I do to succeed.  I am really happy and grateful to be recognized."

Bryan College's Sr. Middle Blocker Amber Smith was named the AAC Player of the year for guiding the Lions to a share of the Conference Championship, their first in school history.  Smith led the AAC in blocks per game throughout the season, averaging 1.6 blocks per set.  She was second in the conference in hitting percentage (.348) and third in kills per game despite facing consistent double blocks.

When asked about her honor, 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."

Milligan's Fr. Setter Chelsea Spivey was chosen Freshman of the Year.  Spivey was second in the conference in assists per game (8.4/gm) and guided the Buffalos to a fourth place finish in conference.   When asked about the freshman honor, Spivey replied, "This award means a lot to me because it is my first year in college and I was nervous about everthing (the school-work, the game, preseason) but my team helped me through it.  It wasn't only me who deserved this award.  My entire team did as well. I couldn't have done it without them."
 
Milligan College also won the coveted Champions of Character award, which is voted on by the conference coaches.
 
All Conference team, All Freshman Team, and Scholar-Athlete awards winners are available at the volleyball awards page.
 
Conference pool play continues this afternoon at 1:00 p.m.  Championship semifinals begin Thursday at 10:00 a.m., with the championship match slated for 4:00 p.m. EST