FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gary Holden, Ferrum
(540) 365-4306
  
January 25, 2008


CNU's Collins & Birch, VWC's Leedom Earn Top Volleyball Honors

Lynchburg’s Olsen, Roanoke’s Benne Share Coach of the Year Honors

DANVILLE, Va. – Christopher Newport University's Brittany Collins and Lindsay Birch have been named College Division Volleyball Player and Coach of the Year, respectively, by the Virginia Sports Information Directors.

Additionally, Virginia Wesleyan College newcomer Rebecca Leedom has been named Volleyball Rookie of the Year.

2007 VaSID College Division Volleyball All-State Team

Collins closed out the 2007 season with 119 kills, 1,277 assists, 123 aces, and 354 digs.  She earned All-Conference first team honors in USA South three times and was also a First Team All-State pick three times. Collins was also named the USA South’s Tournament MVP three times.

Birch led CNU to a stellar 33-7 record this season, including USA South regular season and tournament titles.  The Captains earned an automatic bid to the NCAA playoffs, advancing to the second round before being eliminated.

Leedom had 321 kills, 396 digs and 54 service aces this season in leading the Marlins to a 17-14 overall record.  She was the 2007 Old Dominion Athletic Conference Volleyball Rookie of the Year, as well as an All-Conference honorable mention.

All-State teams are selected by active members of the Virginia Sports Information Directors Association.  For more information, please visit the VaSID site at http://www.ferrum.edu/athletics/vasid.