Wayne State College Athletics

Five Wayne State College volleyball players were named to the Omaha World Herald All-Nebraska Volleyball Team released by the newspaper on Friday, January 1.  Junior middle hitter Jennifer Hefner, sophomore outside hitter Tali Fredrickson and sophomore libero Leigh Connot were selected to the First Team while junior setter Diedra Artz and junior outside hitter Lea Hartigan each received honorable mention honors.  The team is selected by coaches and sportswriters from the Omaha World Herald.

The Wayne State College volleyball team is ranked 18th in the final American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll released late Monday afternoon.  Wayne State finished the regular season 29-8 overall and 16-4 in the NSIC, tied for second place. The Wildcats defeated Minnesota State in the opening round of the NCAA Division II National Tournament before falling to eventual national champion Concordia-St. Paul in the Central Regional semi-finals.  It’s the fifth straight season the Wildcats have qualified for the NCAA Division II National Tournament. 

Jennifer Hefner of Wayne State College has been named to the 29^th annual AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) All-American Team for NCAA Division II women’s volleyball, earning Second Team All-American honors as voted on by NCAA Division II coaches from across the country.  She is the second player in WSC volleyball history to earn All-American honors, joining Emily Schroeder who was Second Team AVCA and Daktronics All-American in both 2006 and 2007. 

Jennifer Hefner of Wayne State College has been named to the AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) All-Central Region Volleyball Team as voted on by volleyball coaches in the Central Region.  With the All-Central Region selection, Hefner is now eligible for All-American selection from AVCA.  It’s the second straight day that Hefner has earned All-Central Region honors after being named to the Daktronics All-Central Region Second Team Tuesday as voted on by sports information directors in the Central Region.