2011 SIAC Volleyball All-Conference & All-Academic Teams Announced

ATLANTA, Georgia — The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announces the 2011 SIAC Volleyball All-Conference team as voted by the SIAC Volleyball Coaches Association. The 2011 team is led by 2011 SIAC Player of the Year Jamila McKinnis of Stillman College, 2011 SIAC Offensive Player of the Year LaTayvia Mack of Benedict College, and 2011 SIAC Setter of the Year Kathrin Fischer of Claflin University.

McKinnis, a senior from Mobile, AL, leads the SIAC with 450 kills and finished with a .364 hitting percentage, which ranks second in the SIAC. In 32 matches, the 5-10 outside hitter averaged 3.88 kills per set, which ranks second in the SIAC, while totaling 294 digs and 55 service aces, putting her among the conference leaders in both categories. The All-SIAC first team selection also totaled 334 assists and 59 total blocks. McKinnis finishes her career as a two-time SIAC Player of the Year, earning the honor as a sophomore in 2009, and a four-time All-SIAC selection.

 Jamila McKinnis
Stillman College

Mack, a junior from Holly Hill, SC, leads the SIAC with 4.67 kills per set, totaling 308 kills in 66 sets, which ranks sixth nationally. The 6-1 outside hitter also ranks third in the SIAC with a .342 hitting percentage while totaling 21 service aces, 74 digs, and 18 total blocks. The All-SIAC first team selection also currently ranks sixth in Division II averaging 5.20 points per set.

Fischer, a sophomore from Vienna, Austria, leads the SIAC in assists and ranks second in assists per set. The All-SIAC first team setter also leads the conference in service aces and currently leads Division II in aces per set.

Joining the three aforementioned players on the first team include Claflin University sophomore Lauren Calvin, Clark Atlanta University junior Ashley Brooks, Paine College junior Victoria Claytor, and Stillman College senior Christine Mallory.

Kathrin Fischer
Claflin University

Kentucky State University and Claflin University are tied for the most selections with three. The Thorobrettes’ selections include All-SIAC second teamer Audrey Sherles, who was also named 2011 SIAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Claflin University Head Coach Vernell Keitt-Capers was named 2011 SIAC Coach of the Year. In 2011, Keitt-Capers, who was Co-Coach of the Year last season, led the Lady Panthers to a 13-3 record in the SIAC, 26-7 overall, and their second SIAC East Division title in as many years.

McKinnis and Stillman College lead the SIAC Volleyball All-Academic team. McKinnis, a Biology major, led the way with a 4.0 grade point average while the Lady Tigers had four selections on the team and also claimed the all-academic team award.

2011 SIAC Volleyball All-Conference Team
1st Team
Name Class Position Institution
LaTayvia Mack Junior Outside Hitter Benedict College
Lauren Calvin Sophomore Outside Hitter Claflin University
Ashley Brooks Junior Outside Hitter Clark Atlanta University
Victoria Claytor Junior Outside Hitter Paine College
Jamila McKinnis Senior Outside Hitter Stillman College
Christine Mallory Senior Libero Stillman College
Kathrin Fischer Sophomore Setter Claflin University

2nd Team
Name Class Position Institution
Sabrina Garcia Senior Outside Hitter Albany State University
Faith Simmons Senior Outside Hitter Claflin University
Ayanna Parker Freshman Outside Hitter Kentucky State University
Audrey Sherles Freshman Outside Hitter Kentucky State University
Janae’ Kearse Senior Outside Hitter Paine College
Tyrealle Reed Senior Libero Benedict College
Jordan Foyer Freshman Setter Kentucky State University

Player of the Year: Jamila McKinnis, Stillman College
Offensive Player of the Year: LaTayvia Mack, Benedict College
Defensive Player of the Year: Audrey Sherles, Kentucky State University
Setter of the Year: Kathrin Fischer, Claflin University
Coach of the Year: Vernell Keitt-Capers, Claflin University

2011 SIAC Volleyball All-Academic Team
Name Class Major GPA Institution
Jamila McKinnis Senior Biology 4.00 Stillman College
Ebony Lollis Senior Biology 3.94 Stillman College
Cynteria Jones Junior English 3.92 Stillman College
Kathrin Fischer Sophomore Politics & Justice System 3.91 Claflin University
Christine Mallory Senior Education 3.82 Stillman College
Soncya Williams Sophomore Music 3.82 LeMoyne-Owen College
Jamila Winston Senior Accounting 3.79 Benedict College

All-Academic Team Award: Stillman College, 3.73 GPA

Courtesy of SIAC