BABSON PARK, Fla. – Webber International University women's volleyball features NAIA All-American's and AVCA All-Region awards along with AVCA Regional Coach of the year and AVCA Regional Libero of the year.
The 2016 Webber women's volleyball team vaulted the Warriors to a level they have never been before. For the first time in Webber International University history, the Warriors were the regular season Champions in the Sun Conference. Regular season Champions is fantastic feat, but they took it a step further to win the Sun Conference Championship completing an undefeated Conference record of 16-0.
The Warriors received a birth into the NAIA National Championship opening round as they traveled to Mobile, Alabama to face the University of Mobile Rams. This was familiar for Webber, their last NAIA National Championship opening round appearance happened in 2008 as the Warriors also traveled to the University of Mobile. In 2008, the Rams of Mobile upset the Warriors with a 0-3 match final and the sets were 12-25, 22-25, and 28-30. This year in the 2016 NAIA National Championship opening round, the Rams were able to upset the Warriors yet again. The Warriors were defeated 1-3 with the set scores being 25-21, 24-26, 23-25, and 23-25. This concluded the Warriors season with a final record of 28-3.
In the 2016, 28-3 season, the Warriors women's volleyball team brought home a boat load of awards. First Team Sun Conference saw
Nikki McDaniel (OH),
Carlee Baxter (S), and
Michelle Calderon (DS). Second Team saw
Tessa Colden (OH). Honorable mention went to
Katie Schueman (MB). The Sun Conference New Comer of the year went to
Nikki McDaniel. Freshman of the year went to
Carlee Baxter. Setter of the year went to
Carlee Baxter. Libero of the year went to
Michelle Calderon. The Sun Conference coach of the year went to Webber head coach Brian Goodhind.
As if the awards for the Sun Conference were not enough, the AVCA NAIA Region awards gave All-Region honors to
Nikki McDaniel,
Michelle Calderon and
Carlee Baxter. AVCA Regional Libero of the year went to
Michelle Calderon. AVCA Regional Coach of the year went to Brian Goodhind.
The NAIA All-American Third Team announced that it added
Nikki McDaniel as an offensive hitter. Receiving an All-American Honorable Mention is
Michelle Calderon.
The Warriors held their end of the season banquet this evening and also distributed their own awards. The Warriors named
Carlee Baxter as the MVP. The most improved player went to
Gilmary Ramos. The Jessica Costanzo Warrior Award is an award given in honor of Jessica and it is awarded to the member of the team who demonstrates the character and heart that it takes to be "A Warrior". Receiving the Jessica Costanzo Warriors Award for 2016 is
Carlee Baxter.
Head coach Brian Goodhind had this to say about this year; "This season was one we have worked for over the last three years. We as a staff made a vision then followed it with a mission and to this teams credit, it went better then I even dreamed possible. The reason, these girls were the true definition of family on and off the court! I am hoping we have made all of Webber proud because these girls truly define everything we as a staff could ask a Webber student/athlete to be. It's a young team, so the future is bright for Webber Volleyball. That happens when your recruiting class turns into 4 freshman in your starting lineup! This particular team will always be special to me, not for the wins, but because they truly bought in and changed the culture of our program on and off the court. With my faith I feel like 1 person, 1 powerful moment can make a positive change, this 1 team has had that type of impact. I want to make sure to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the blessing of being able to coach these kids and help young athletes for my career!"
The 2016 Lady Warriors volleyball team led a phenomenal season full of tests and triumphs. They will be looked at for years to come as one of the most decorated Warriors teams in history. Congratulations Lady Warriors on a great 2016 season!
