SIAC Announces 2018 Volleyball Preseason Honors

ATLANTA, Georgia – Middle blocker Kia Thomas of Clark Atlanta University was named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Preseason Offensive Player of the Year along with Libero Cassidi Sterrett of Spring Hill College who was selected as Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, announced Monday by the league office.

All votes are submitted by SIAC head coaches and sports information directors.

Kia Thomas

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
Kia Thomas, Middle Blocker
Clark Atlanta University

Thomas, a sophomore middle blocker, led the SIAC in kills (3.13/game) and hitting percentage (.338). Thomas earned the SIAC Newcomer of the Week award twice last season. She also recorded a season-high 20 kills over Albany State and a season-high 25 points over Claflin. Thomas finished her rookie season with 65 total blocks (No. 9 in conference), 46 digs, and 34 service aces. Thomas helped the 2017 Eastern Division Champions finish 17-13 last season and looks to improve this season.

Cassidi Sterrett

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
Cassidi Sterrett, Libero/Defensive Specialist
Spring Hill College

Sterrett, a junior libero, led the SIAC in digs as she recorded 491 digs on the season averaging 4.63 digs per game. The Lee’s Summit, Mo. native also ranked No. 7 in service aces as she recorded 44 on the season. Sterrett led the 2017 Western Division Champions to a perfect season last year as they dominated the conference 18-0 and look to continue the streak as they are now eligible for post-season play.

Preseason Rankings

In the East Division, Albany State is anticipated to capture the Eastern Division Championship title as they had six first-place picks. The defending Eastern Division Champions, Clark Atlanta was picked to finish second with five first-place votes ahead of Benedict who had one first place vote. Fort Valley State and Paine rounded out the division.

In the West Division, defending SIAC Champions, Kentucky State is anticipated to top the west as they receive seven first-place votes ahead of Spring Hill who received five first place votes. LeMoyne-Owen, who faced Kentucky State in last year’s championship game, is expected to finish third this year ahead of Central State who is expected to come in fourth. Lane is expected to come in fifth place above Miles and Tuskegee who will round out the western division.

Volleyball Rankings by DivisionAdd caption

East Division
1. Albany State (6)
2. Clark Atlanta (5)
3. Benedict (1)
4. Fort Valley State
5. Paine

West Division
1. Kentucky State (7)
2. Spring Hill (5)
3. LeMoyne-Owen
4. Central State
5. Lane
6. Miles
7. Tuskegee

*First place votes in parenthesis.

2018 SIAC Volleyball – Preseason Team 

First Team

Jasmine Davis	LeMoyne-Owen	Outside Hitter
Adrionna Washington	Benedict	Outside Hitter
Jannai Cheeks	Albany State	Outside Hitter
Brittany Warren-Dancy	Clark Atlanta	Middle Blocker
Kia Thomas	Clark Atlanta	Middle Blocker
Naporsha Gilliam	LeMoyne-Owen	Libero
Sierra Nelson	Clark Atlanta	Setter

Second Team

Taylor Prude	Clark Atlanta	Outside Hitter
Randi De’Armitt	Spring Hill	Outside Hitter
Aza Rae Underwood	Lane	Outside Hitter
Arlandria Greathouse	Kentucky State	Middle Blocker
Crystal Hall	Tuskegee	Middle Blocker
Majda Cisic	Benedict	Libero
Emmarose Neibert	Spring Hill	Setter

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