Northwestern University Athletics
Stephanie Holthus Named AVCA All-Mideast Region Honorable Mention
12/6/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Dec. 6, 2011
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Northwestern sophomore outside hitter Stephanie Holthus was named Honorable Mention to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Mideast Region team on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Holthus was also chosen to the All-Big Ten team on Nov. 29.
"It's great to see that Stephanie has been recognized by the AVCA for an outstanding effort this season," said Northwestern head coach Keylor Chan. "She had a memorable effort all year long and we look forward to finding out what the future holds for her in this program."
Holthus led the Wildcats with 475 kills this season at a clip of 4.17 per set. That number of 475 kills is the seventh-best single-season output in program history and it ranked the sophomore fourth overall in the Big Ten in 2011. The Burlington, Ill., native ranked second on the team with 330 digs and turned in a team-high 15 double-doubles throughout the season.
Holthus was the Big Ten's first Player of the Week this season. She earned the honor on Aug. 29 following a prolific opening weekend at the Utah Classic. The Burlington, Ill., native averaged 5.89 kills per set in the tournament, which included wins over Cal State-Northridge, Weber State and Utah for the Wildcats. In the tournament finale against the Utes, Holthus eclipsed the 20-kill plateau for the first time in her career with 21 in a three-set sweep. That eye-popping number tied the outside hitter for fifth all-time for the most kills in a three-set match in NU history.
In addition to claiming MVP honors at the Utah Classic, Holthus was chosen as the most valuable player in two other preseasons tournaments for the 'Cats: the Chicagoland Challenge and the 30th Wildcat Classic. She was also named to the All-Tournament team at the Magnolia Invitational. In those four tournaments combined, Holthus averaged 5.05 kills per set and 2.95 digs per set. She tallied eight service aces and 27 total blocks over that span, as well.
Here is the complete 2011 AVCA All-Mideast Region team:
Michelle Bartsch - Illinois
Tori Dixon - Minnesota
Tiffany Fisher - Purdue
Kristin Hoffman - Northern Illinois
Mari Hole - Ohio State
Gina Mancuso - Nebraska
Deja McClendon - Penn State
Jenilee Rathje - Michigan State
Ariel Scott - Penn State
Katie Slay - Penn State
Ariel Turner - Purdue
Colleen Ward - Illinois
Lauren Wicinski - Northern Illinois
Ashley Wittman - Minnesota
Honorable Mention: Morgan Broekhuis (Nebraska), Lauren Cook (Nebraska), Emily Danks (Ohio State), Rachel Davis (Purdue), Stephanie Holthus (Northwestern), Hannah Werth (Nebraska)
Mideast Freshman of the Year: Micha Hancock - Penn State
Mideast Coach of the Year: Dave Shondell -Purdue
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