Kelly Wiedemann holds a volleyball in front of her between her hands.

Posted: Dec 05, 2018

Kelly Wiedemann named NJCAA All-American

Charlotte, N.C. – Kelly Wiedemann, a freshman outside attacker with the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Volleyball team, has been named an National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) second team All-American.

The announcement came Tuesday, Dec. 4, by NJCAA officials from their headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"I couldn't be happier for Kelly and our team for the recognition she's receiving for the work, dedication and love that has been put into this season," Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann said.

"It was obvious during preseason that she put the work in this summer and was ready to make things happen," the coach continued. "You can't cheat the grind, and it definitely paid off. She is a leader on the floor, a great teammate and a go-to player who brings consistency to all aspects of the game. That combination was recognized by others, and I could not be more proud of her."

Wiedemann, a graduate of West Plains High School, led the team in all offensive categories this season – kills (390), kills per set (2.98), attacking percentage (.253), service aces (32), total points (457.5) and points per set (3.5), and she was second on the team in digs (330) and digs per set (2.52).

She also had 10 assists, 14 solo blocks, 43 assisted blocks and 57 total blocks.

"It's exciting that she's a freshman and to see what she can do to keep improving," Coach Wiedemann said. "It's so important for athletes to be motivated intrinsically, and she has that. We've always told our players that we can't, and won't, drag them through the hard work it takes to be a part of this program.

"I'm so glad she's paid attention, and it's obvious she's owned it. Being a coach's kid can go many different directions, and I'm really proud of who she is on the team and how easy she makes it for us to coach her," the coach said.

For a full list of this year's NJCAA All-American honorees, visit njcaa.org. For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, visit the team's website.