Kelly Wiedemann named NJCAA All-American
Kelly Wiedemann, a sophomore outside attacker with the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Volleyball team, has been named a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) second team All-American.
The announcement came Wednesday, Dec. 4, by NJCAA officials from the organization's headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.
This is the second consecutive year Wiedemann has received the honor. She is only the eighth Grizzly to have been named a two-time NJCAA All-American, Head Coach Paula Wiedemann said.
"I couldn't be happier for Kelly and the recognition she's receiving for the love, work and dedication she has put into this season and the last two years," Coach Wiedemann said. "The work you put into your players as a coach is something I know she values and doesn't take for granted."
Nationally ranked performance
Wiedemann was one of only five NJCAA Division 1 players with at least 500 kills and 400 digs this season. She ranked ninth in the country in kills with 519 while averaging 3.68 kills per set and posting a .250 attacking percentage.
She also ranked sixth in the nation in total attacks (1,389) and ninth in points earned (595.5).
Wiedemann led the Grizzlies in kills, kills per set, service aces (37) and points earned this season. She was first among hitters in attacking percentage, second among all players in digs (443) and digs per set (3.14) and fourth among all players in blocking (61).
"Her consistency on the court was outstanding," Coach Wiedemann said. "She posted a volleyball double-double (at least 10 kills and 10 digs) in 24 of our 36 games."
Grizzly career rankings
Among all Grizzlies, Wiedemann is ninth in career kills (909), eighth in career points earned (1,053) and 16th in career digs (833).
"I knew she could be a special player, but that doesn't always mean it will happen," Coach Wiedemann said of Kelly. "The work it takes and respect she has shown this program, and to us as coaches, has been something special to watch and is appreciated.
"Being a coach's kid can go in many different directions, and I'm really proud of who she is and how easy she has made it to coach her," Coach Wiedemann added. "She has a competitiveness and drive that makes her a great player, a great teammate and a great leader. What I'm proud of the most is that I know she will make an impact on whatever program she becomes a part of. It's great to watch as a coach, but it's awesome to watch as a parent."
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, msuwpgrizzlies.com.