In a remarkable display of talent and achievement, WKU Volleyball asserted its dominance in the Conference USA awards with eight Hilltoppers receiving well-deserved recognition. The accolades were announced on Thursday and highlighted the outstanding contributions of the team’s players and coaching staff.
Leading the pack is Paige Briggs, who not only solidified her status as one of the program’s all-time greats but also became the sixth player in WKU history to earn the newly renamed Alyssa Cavanaugh Player of the Year Award. Briggs’ incredible performance on the court has been a consistent source of inspiration, and this award is a testament to her unwavering dedication and skill.
Logan Grevengoed, the rising star in WKU Volleyball, secured the Freshman of the Year honor, marking a stellar debut season in the Red and White. Grevengoed’s impactful contributions as a middle hitter have not gone unnoticed, and this award reflects her potential for future success.
Head Coach Travis Hudson, the guiding force behind WKU Volleyball’s success, was rightfully recognized as the Conference USA Coach of the Year. This accolade marks Hudson’s sixth Coach of the Year honor in the team’s 10 seasons as a league member, underlining his exceptional coaching prowess.
The list of honorees continues with Briggs, Callie Bauer, and Kaylee Cox, who received First Team All-Conference recognition. Their consistent excellence on the court has been instrumental in WKU’s success throughout the season.
Kenadee Coyle, showcasing her prowess as a right-side hitter, earned a spot on the Second Team All-Conference, marking a significant achievement in her career.
The team’s depth of talent is further emphasized by the inclusion of three freshmen on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team. Logan Grevengoed, Izzy Van De Wiele, and Gabby Weihe have showcased immense potential, contributing significantly to the team’s overall performance.
The breakdown of WKU’s Conference USA awards is as follows:
- Paige Briggs: Alyssa Cavanaugh Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Conference
- Travis Hudson: Coach of the Year
- Logan Grevengoed: Freshman of the Year, All-Freshman Team
- Callie Bauer: 1st Team All-Conference
- Kaylee Cox: 1st Team All-Conference
- Kenadee Coyle: 2nd Team All-Conference
- Gabby Weihe: All-Freshman Team
- Izzy Van De Wiele: All-Freshman Team
Paige Briggs, with her remarkable achievements, now stands as the only Hilltopper to receive five all-conference nominations without losing a regular-season conference match in her career. Her prowess is reflected in various records, including most kills in a single match (35) and most aces in a single match (10).
Coach Travis Hudson’s recognition as Coach of the Year marks his sixth such honor in Conference USA, underlining his consistent success in leading the Hilltoppers to victory.
Logan Grevengoed, in her first true season with WKU, made an immediate impact as the Freshman of the Year. A middle hitter, Grevengoed’s 108 blocks at the net were the most of any CUSA freshman in 2023.
Callie Bauer, a redshirt-sophomore setter, earned her second First Team All-Conference recognition. Bauer’s role in facilitating the team’s offense has been pivotal, contributing to the third-best offense in the country with a .308 hitting percentage.
Kaylee Cox, in her first season with the Hilltoppers, emerged as a formidable six-rotation outside hitter, earning All-Conference accolades. Cox’s impressive stats include 328 kills, 264 digs, and a career-best .328 hitting percentage.
Kenadee Coyle, recognized on the Second Team All-Conference, displayed her skills as a right-side hitter with a .354 hitting percentage and 198 kills in the season.
The trio of freshmen, Gabby Weihe, Izzy Van De Wiele, and Logan Grevengoed, showcased promise and potential in their debut season, earning spots on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team.
The WKU Volleyball team continues to make strides, and these well-deserved awards are a testament to the collective talent, dedication, and coaching excellence that defines the program. As the team heads into the postseason, the Hilltopper community eagerly anticipates more thrilling performances on the volleyball court. Congratulations to all the honorees!
