2023 Women's Volleyball Honors Released

The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) has released its season honors for the 2023 women's volleyball season. Awards are voted on by each teams head coach following the conclusion of the regular season. 

Player of the Year - Noelle VanOort, Indiana Tech, OH, JR

A junior from Mantorville, Minn., VanOort put together a season to remember for the regular season champion Indiana Tech Warriors. In 114 sets played, she averaged 3.70 kills per set (1st in the WHAC), 422 total kills (1st in WHAC), 67 service aces and 35 total blocks. VanOort helped the Warriors to their first regular season title since 2011. 

Libero of the Year - McKenzie Peters, Concordia, L, JR

A junior from Monroe, Mich., McKenzie Peters was named the WHAC Libero of the Year for her efforts in leading CUAA to its third consecutive WHAC Tournament. Peters led the conference in digs (588) and digs per set (5.03) and was second in total receptions (661). Peters was a three-time WHAC Defender of the Week winner.

Setter of the Year - Andrea Schriver, Indiana Tech, S, SR

A six-time winner of the WHAC Setter of the Week award, Andrea Schriver can now add Setter of the Year to her robust resume. The senior from Sparta, Mich. was first in the WHAC in assists (1,253), first in assists per set (11.29) and started every match for the regular season champion Warriors. 

Newcomer of the Year - Lydia Harper, Aquinas, S, JR

Junior setter Lydia Harper made quickly made her presence felt for Aquinas as a junior-transfer setter. A native of Caledonia, Mich., Harper helped Aquinas to a second place regular season finish (16-4 in WHAC play) and was second in the conference in assists per set (10.46) and third in total assists (1147) while also tallying 88 total blocks on the season. Harper was a three-time WHAC Setter of the Week winner. 

Coach of the Year - Matt Fishman, Indiana Tech 

 Matt Fishman has been selected by his peers as the Coach of the Year, following a 28-4 (18-2) record and regular season WHAC title. Fishman, in just his second year as Head Coach, has led the Warriors to back-to-back WHAC tournaments and earned a bid to the NAIA National Championship Openening round after finishing runner-up in the WHAC tourney a season ago. He led the Warriors to their first regular season WHAC title since 2011 this season. 

Champion of Character Coach - Juliana Nash, Rochester

In just her first season leading the Rochester Women's Volleyball program, Juliana Nash was selected by her peers as the WHAC Champion of Character Coach. The award honors coaches for their dedication to building character through sport. 

In addition to the individual honors, the WHAC named its All-Conference Teams including an All-Newcomer Team, an All-Academic Team for sophomore and above in academic standing with cumulative 3.25 GPA and in attendance at nomination institution for one full year, and Champions of Character Team consisting of one member from each team who best represents the five core character values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.