From Emory University Athletics
Four members of the No. 7-ranked Emory volleyball program have been recognized for their outstanding play, culminating with recognition on the 2013 All-America Team as chosen by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).
Headlining the group is sophomore setter Sydney Miles (Oklahoma City, OK) who was tabbed as a First Team All-American for the second consecutive year after ranking first in the University Athletic Association and among the top 15 nationally in assists (10.18 aps) while also averaging 1.98 digs and 1.21 kills per set. Earlier this season, Miles was named to the All-University Athletic Association First Team for the second straight year, and her total of 1,334 assists ranks 10th on the school seasonal ladder. Miles is coming off a strong effort at last weekend's Atlanta Regional where she was named the Most Outstanding Player. Her deft setting skills have helped Emory post a league-best attack percentage of .266 with that mark among the country's top 15. Miles has a pair of 60-plus assists matches this year, both coming against Trinity University (Sept. 7 & Nov. 2). Heading into this weekend's national quarterfinals, her 2,719 career assists ranks sixth all-time at the school. Miles joins Janet Bunning (2006, 2007) and Breanah Bourque (2011, 2012) as other Emory players to have earned back-to-back First Team All-America acclaim.
Freshman middle Jessica Holler (Roswell, GA) was afforded a second-team berth after enjoying a banner rookie season. The 6-foot-1 Holler has been a formidable presence at the net, both offensively and defensively, averaging a conference-leading 1.10 blocks per set with that showing placing her among the top 20 in the D-III ranks. Selected as both the UAA and South Region Rookie of the Year, Holler has 11 outings of five or more blocks to her credit, and her total of 143 is the sixth-highest single-season mark in school annals. She has been effective as a hitter as well, registering a fine .355 attack percentage which ranks second in the league. The owner of 15 matches of double-figure kills, she came up with a big outing against Colorado College in last weekend's Atlanta Regional Championship with a career-high 16 terminations along with a .696 (16-0—23) hitting performance.
The junior tandem of Kate Bowman (Corpus Christi, TX) and Cat McGrath (St. Louis, MO) found their way on the All-America Team as honorable-mention selections. The 5-foot-9 Bowman is one of the team's top all-around performers, ranking second on the team and ninth in the UAA in kills (2.83 kps) while posting a 2.66 digs-per-set average. Bowman garnered First Team All-UAA honors for the first time in her career and was an All-South Region selection as well. She has come through with 10 double-doubles (kills/digs) this year.
McGrath, 6-foot-2, an All-South Region member and Seconbd Team All-UAA choice, is the squad's most efficient hitter with a .391 mark (317-65—645), good for the top spot in the UAA. McGrath has hit .400 or higher in 22 matches and closed out last weekend at the Atlanta Regional hitting .500 (27-3—48). McGrath is also a presence at the net with her 0.86 blocks-per-set average good second on the team and third among UAA players.