Power Hitter Haley Eckerman Named National Freshman of the Year

By Jordan Schraeder in Blog on December 14, 2011 at 2:03 pm | No Comments

318 kills, 36 blocks, and 57 digs. With these stellar numbers, it comes as no surprise to Texas volleyball fans that freshman outside hitter Haley Eckerman has earned the title of National Freshman of the Year for the 2011 season.

The 6’3 newcomer follows in the footsteps of UT volleyball legend Juliann Faucette, who earned the same title back in 2007. Eckerman, who was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year this season, also earned herself a spot on the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s 2011 All-America second team.

And despite a season-ending loss to UCLA in the NCAA Regionals, Texas placed two other UT players on All-America teams for the sixth-straight year.

Senior middle blocker Rachael Adams, who is ranked 13th in the nation, claimed a spot on the first team for the second year in a row. She was joined by fellow first-teamer Bailey Webster, a sophomore outside hitter.

The fifth-ranked Lady Longhorns went 25-5 this season, winning the Big 12 and making their sixth regional finals appearance in as many years.

Haley Eckerman, #10, shuts down a hit by an OU player during a Nov. 26 match in Gregory Gym. Photo courtesy Texas Sports.

Tags: All-America, American Volleyball Coaches Association, Bailey Webster, Haley Eckerman, Lady Longhorns, National Freshman of the Year, ncaa, rachael adams