Mitchell, Reinhart Headline Five V-Hawks on All-Conference Teams
WATERTOWN, S.D. - The North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) announced its 2022 All-Conference women's volleyball teams and postseason awards Thursday evening. Awards were given out during the honors presentation at the Ramkota Inn & Convention Center on the eve of the North Star Volleyball conference postseason tournament at Civic Arena.
Viterbo and Bellevue (Neb.), who shared the regular season conference title with identical 13-1 conference records, each claimed five spots on the All-Conference teams as well as a number of special player awards.
Jada Mitchell (Fr., MH, New Albin, Iowa) was named the NSAA Offensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, while also making First-Team. In 14 conference games, Mitchell played in 50 set, recorded 142 kills (2.84/set) on .376 hitting percentage, put up 50 blocks (9 solo, 41 assisted), and added six digs and two assists. Mitchell is the second straight V-Hawk to win Offensive Player of the Year and the fourth in the past six years (Miah Garant-2021, Katie Frohmader-2019, Natalie Geidel-2017). She is also the third V-Hawk to win Freshman of the Year in the same time period (Kenzie Winker-2019, Maya Roberts-2017). Mitchell was the NSAA Offensive Player of the Week October 24.
Head Coach Ryan DeLong said of Mitchell: "Jada had a breakout freshman year and was a huge spark to our team. Jada continues to get better every day, I'm proud of what she has accomplished so far and excited to see what is to come. "
Adrianna Reinhart (Sr., DS, Caledonia, Minn.) earned her second consecutive Libero of the Year Award (shared with Natalie Hadrava of Mayville State (N.D.)), as well as her third straight NSAA First-Team selection. Reinhart was second in the conference at 6.30 digs/set (315 total), contributed 50 assists and 13 service aces as well. Before Reinhart, the last V-Hawks to win Libero of the Year was Jennifer Krentz in 2015. Reinhart was named the Conference Defender of the Week three times this season.
"Adj has been one of the best defenders not only in conference, but throughout the NAIA," Said Coach DeLong. "I am proud of the player she has become and the tremendous career she has had."
Kenzie Winker (Jr., OH, Holmen, Wis.) claimed a spot on the All-Conference First-Team for the third time in three years. She ranked second in the NSAA with 3.96 kills/set (198 total-3rd) while hitting .211, and added 118 digs and 21 total blocks. Winker was named the NSAA Offensive Player of the Week twice this season.
"Kenz was a workhorse this year, as she stepped up into a different role. Kenz not only was a go to hitter for us but a 6 rotation player that contributed in all aspects and was one of the top players in the conference," Said Coach DeLong.
Grace Rohde (So., RS, Winona, Minn.) was the final V-Hawks to be named to the All-Conference First-Team. This was Rohde's first All-Conference accolade of her career. She put down 3.22 kills/set, sixth best in the NSAA (161 total-7th) on .182 hitting percentage, recorded 47 digs, and added 21 total blocks.
"Grace also stepped into a more prolific role this year and had great success," declared Coach DeLong. "Grace showed she is one of the best outside hitters in the conference and she continues to get better."
Lauryn Sobasky (Sr., S, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.) was the final All-Conference recipient, being named to the All-Conference Second-Team for the second time in her career (2019). Her 351 assists (7.02/set) was good enough for fifth in the conference, while setting in a 6-2 rotation, and she also recorded 118 digs, eights kills, and five aces.
Coach DeLong expressed "Lo has had a tremendous season and career and is a huge part of our success. This honor is overdue and well deserved for Lauryn and I could not be happier."
Mariah Calkins (Sr. MH, Sun Prairie, Wis.) was selected as Viterbo's Champion of Character. Calkins earned this award for embodying the NAIA's five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership both on and off the court.
Head Coach Ryan DeLong was named the Conference Coach of the Year for the eighth time in his career, and the second consecutive year (2021, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2014-MCC, 2012-MCC, 2010-MCC). DeLong led the V-Hawks to outperform their preseason projection of second place to claim a share of the regular season title for the second year in a row and the seventh time in nine years. The success came despite losing four All-Conference performers from last season.
"Ryan has done another remarkable job coaching this season," Said Viterbo Athletic Director Barry Fried. "He and his staff's ability to develop players and build team chemistry as the season goes on has been very noticeable. He's done a heck of a job this year and is very deserving of this honor."
The six-team postseason tournament kicks off Friday morning with No. 6 seed Presentation (S.D.) taking on No. 3 seed Dakota State (S.D.) at 10 a.m. (Central Time), followed by No. 5 seed Valley City State (N.D.) versus No. 4 seed MayvilleState (N.D.) at 12 p.m. No. 1 seed Viterbo and No. 2 seed Bellevue received the first-round bye and will play in the evening session on Friday.
For the full All-Conference Teams, click here.