2024 GNAC Women's Volleyball All-Conference Teams Announced

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

McKenna McCool, Lasell

McCool spearheaded the attack of a Lasell offense that led the GNAC in multiple categories offensively including kills, kill/set, service aces, and points. The Loomis, California product finished in the top-five in the conference in a few offensive categories individually. She ranked fifth in kills (309), second in attack percentage with .331 (per NCAA statistical requirements), and third in points (387.5) and points per set (3.9). The senior had collected double-digit kills in 18 matches, including a season-best 20 kills against Kean (NJ) last month. McCool collected three double-doubles on the season as well. The Lasers' Outside Hitter was also recognized by the conference twice as Player of the Week (Oct. 7 and Oct. 21).

SETTER OF THE YEAR

Sydney Katz, Lasell

Katz was the ultimate distributor for the league-leading Lasell offense this past season. She was the set-up to the Laser attack, dishing out 744 total assists on the year and 6.25 assists per set, both of which were good for top-five in the conference. In addition, she finished second in service aces with 74, which also placed her in the top-15 nationally in Division III. The Ridgefield, Connecticut native collected 20 or more assists in 22 of 34 matches with her season best being 39 assists against Kean (NJ) in October. Katz had collected eight double-doubles on the season and one triple-double as well. The junior was named Setter of the Week once on Oct. 28. 

LIBERO OF THE YEAR

Madeline Caro, Lasell

Caro was the defensive leader for a Lasell defense that was third in total digs (1708). The San Diego, California product accumulated for nearly 25% of the teams digs as she produced 417 digs, which was good for sixth in the conference. The Lasers undefeated conference play limited Caro's opportunities statistically as Lasell was the leader in blocks and blocks per set but the junior was the catalyst to such a strong Laser defense that her impact was greatly felt on the defensive side of the net. Caro reached double-double digs in 18 matches, including six matches of 20+ digs. She was named Libero of the Week once on Oct. 21.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Nevaeh Arnold, Johnson & Wales

Arnold displayed a versatile season for the Wildcats on both sides of the net. She was a key contributor to a JWU team that was top-three in kills, assists, and blocks. The Alpharetta, Georgia native was in the top-20 in the conference in both total kills (192) and assists (402) while also finishing in the top-20 in total blocks (49) and points (273). The first-year produced four double-doubles, including a triple-double in September. Arnold received Rookie of the Week honors twice on Sept. 23 and Sept. 30.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Jeff Vautrin, Lasell

Vautrin led his Lasell team to an undefeated 15-0 season in GNAC play. His team was among some of the best in the league both offensively and defensively. The Lasers earned the No. 1 spot in this year's GNAC Tournament as Vautrin's leadership led the Lasers to back-to-back GNAC Championships. Lasell only lost two sets in their regular season conference play and only once in postseason action.