LEXINGTON, Ky. - The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) is proud to announce the 37th annual AVCA All-America teams for NCAA Division III women's volleyball as senior Kate Mitchell earned a spot on the seocnd team while junior Megan Grimes was named to honorable mention. 

Mitchell, a senior outside hitter from Roseville, Calif., was the team leader in kills with 346, good for fourth in the conference throughout the season. Mitchell averaged 3.15 kills/set, which was fifth in the conference, and hit .312 on the season, good for sixth in the conference and among the top hitting outside hitters all throughout the season.

"Kate had such a fantastic senior season and being named 2nd Team All-America is real tribute to Kate's focus on developing as a player and as a teammate," said Flora. "Kate was asked to play outside hitter early in the 2017 season and she never shied away from working at this new position."  

Mitchell was even better during conference season, leading the conference in kills (172), points (212.5), and points/set (4.1) while placing second kills/set (3.31). Mitchell was third in service aces with 29 and fifth in hitting percentage at .353.

"When the team and staff needed her to return to her more comfortable position of rightside/opposite hitter, Kate flourished," added Flora. "She was a force offensively and was rarely stopped as an attacker.  Her range and shot selection is what sets her apart as an elite attacker." 

Mitchell was a first team All-SCAC and All-Region selection. She was also named to the NCAA Georgetown Regional All-Tournament Team for her outstanding performance.

"Kate also reached new heights as a blocker, defender and as an elite server this 2017 season," said Flora. "The staff is very proud of the work and the preparation Kate put in to have her best season as a Pirate during her 4-year career."

Grimes, a junior setter from Carrollton, Texas, led the SCAC both throughout the season and in conference play in assists, finsihing with 1151 total assists and 10.01 assists/set in the year while going for 575 assists in SCAC play and 10.65 assists/set. 

"Megan being selected to the Honorable Mention All-America team is a real tribute to the depth of work and the level of growth that Megan achieved this season," said Flora. "Going from playing defensive specialist and setting in a 6-2 part of the time last season to running a high paced and elite offense this season is wonderful to see." 

Grimes also had 326 digs including 160 in conference play, good for 10th in the SCAC, as well as 127 total kills and 24 block assists. 

"Megan has invested in her teammates and her knowledge of the setting position deeply this season," said Flora. "Megan's athleticism and ability to be an elite server and defender allow her to impact a match in so many ways. We look forward to seeing her grow as she prepares for her senior year."