The AVCA has announced the PLAYERs of the year from different conferences across the US and Volleywood’s Talking Turtle can’t happily shut up is proud to share his/her thoughts!
Talking Turtle Says…
Hello VB fans. Its time for another moment with Talking Turtle. As most of us crazed fans know, conference honors have all been decided. Are there any surprises, or have they been true to form? Well, as I like to do (cause I am good at it), let me share my thoughts.
Lets start with the Big 12’s Julianne Faucette. Well deserved? Absolutely. She certainly started the season a little rocky, with flashes of her sophomore slump. However, in the past month, Jules has definitely turned things around and put the ‘Horns on her back. She has moments of 2007’s National Freshman of the Year even. I am proud of Miss Faucette, that pretty face, powerful swings, and lovely voice. Congratulations!
(image from TexasSports)
Onto first team, honorable mention, and freshman team. Did the coaches get this right? Yes. Some folks are a little unknown to me, however, I have watched Texas a lot in the past five years, therefore seeing many of these players. How could anyone NOT know the Nebraska Cornhuskers? I mean ‘cmon – Cook would have my head if I didnt know his girls. Rachel Adams – you go big sista! This girl is a baller, and I also do not think she completely has the best opportunities to show her stuff. Mizzu’s Paola – very lenky and athletic, and I love her. The players are all three teams are very well deserved. Solid seasons and stepped up when their teams needed them to do so. Great job ladies!
Moving over to the Big Ten. Well there’s our first shocker (NOT)! “Blair Brown, come on down, you’re the next contestant on Player of the Year!” Another solid performance this year by Ms. Brown. Of course, not having the likes of one of the best (if not the best) classes to ever come through PSU to battle with, must have been nice for you. Did she actually have some competition for POY? Certainly, if Laura DeBruler had not been injured, or if Lauren Gibbemeyer was not out for a bit, then maybe they would have challenged Blair. Kuddos – you deserved to have a breakout year, you did, and now have been rewarded. (no move aside Nittany Lions! j/k)
The Big Ten’s three team conference team honors are also fairly obvious. Interesting that Colleen Ward was not a unanimous selection, or is it? This conference, I must admit was very tough this year. Some very shocking wins, yet deserved wins at that. Illinios, Indiana, Minnesota, and Northwestern had some incredibly solid wins this season, with certain players stepping up and out! Freshman and Coach of the Year – shocker! But I suppose one must hand it to them. After losing such a stellar class, having your ridiculous streak broken (hahahaha), and coming in with several unanswered questions, Penn State does indeed deserve a little recognition. Ooo has hell frozen over? Did I just say that out loud? I also love the fact that they honor sportsmanship. Any other conference care to take notice? I would have however liked to see Lauren on this list as well. Over the past four years, I have rarely seen her frown on the court – always seemingly happy go lucky, and giving it more than 110%.
(image from Stanford Volleyball)
Lastly, the Pac-10, soon to be Pac-12 (yuck!). That just does not sound right. Player of the Year goes to once again another Stanford Cardinal – the great Alix Klineman. This has served as much of vt conversations over the past few days, and silenced. We have a winner. By far one of the best Stanford Outside Hitters of all-time. One of college’s best? Hhhmm – something to ponder. It seemed that Cal’s Junior OH, Tarah Murray (like Frosty) was nippin at her nose. But in the end, it was the great Klineman who prevailed. So lets break this down just a little more. So, we have seen all of the numbers being compared. We have seen them both in action. Generally, they bring the exact same thing to their teams – lead them, carry them, and produce ridiculously for them. I think the difference between the two teams is: 1. Stanford’s experience 2. Stanford’s smarts (not that Cal isnt smart either) 3. Cal’s passion, will, and determination and lastly 3. Alix’s career over the past four long years. She has battled injury. She has been to two FF, and Finals. Runner-up for Freshman of the Year. Overall, Alix has been the steadier player. Taking nothing away from Tarah, because I was an immediate fan once she stepped on campus. Tall, incredibly athletic, could pound the ball, and drop dead gorgeous! (Ok that doesnt matter, but she is.)
(images from Stanford Volleyball)
The remainder of the all-conference honors are once again well deserved. Finally someone in the volleyball world got it (ahem NCAA Committee). Can I just say – YAY Gabi “Ailes is Nails!”. I think Ailes majority of the time goes so incredibly unrecognized for all that she does, its sad. Her passing and defense are generally on point. Her first three years on the farm were rock solid, and she continued to get shafted. Her and Cassidy Lichtman actually. I mean a Masters and an Undergrad Degree at the same time. Girl, you got some time on your hands! All three seniors (including Alix Klineman) are some of the best volleyball players I have seen on The Farm. Pac-10’s All-Freshman Team is completely accurate. I am a little curious about the choice for Correy Johnson, but I can certainly live with that. I have already read some chat about who to switch in and out, but I have to say, the first and honorable mention teams are very good. I am pleased with the Pac-10 – way to get it right!
I did not break down the WAC, WCC, and others – too much! I decided to only look at the conferences that just revealed their teams within the past couple of days. I am not trying to be here all day – HELLO!
Congratulations again to all of the honorees – seniors (especially the Cardinal) it will be very sad to see you go, but you have certainly left your marks!
Turtle is out!