Three Violets Named AVCA All-America Honorees; Grace Nelson Named Freshman of the Year
A trio of New York University women's volleyball players have been cited as All-Americans by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).
Both Haley Holz and Lindsey Hirano were named to the first team while Grace Nelson was selected Freshman of the Year and second team All-American.
"This team is so amazing and I'm incredibly proud of each and every one of them," said Head Coach Andrew Brown. "And to see Haley receive First Team All-America for the second time in her career just shows how hard she works and how driven she is both on and off the court. Lindsey has been a stable force in our back row as someone the team can lean on and amazes me everyday. Grace, as the new kid on the block, has come in with tons of confidence and a super bubbly personality, which makes playing the game so much fun."
Holz and Hirano have spearheaded NYU's rise to national prominence over the past three years as the Violets have advanced to the National Quarterfinals for the second consecutive year and to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the third straight season.
Holz is no stranger to national accolades, having been AVCA's All-New York Region Freshman of the Year and Honorable Mention All-American in 2019, a Second Team All-American in 2021 and a First Team All-American and Region 4 Player of the Year in 2022. She leads NYU with 406 kills, 3.38 kills per set and is second in service aces (36).
Hirano has been cited three times by AVCA, having earned Honorable Mention All-American in 2021 and Second Team honors in 2022. She already holds NYU career records for digs (1968) and digs per set (5.44) while also accumulating 528 career assists.
Nelson has burst onto the scene by also claiming University Athletic Association (UAA) Rookie of the Year honors. She leads NYU with 63 service aces and is second with 352 kills.
Holz and Hirano were also named First Team A-Region 4, while Nelson was named to the Second Team. In addition, Ava Launsbach and Camille Nazor were selected Honorable Mention All-Region 4. Launsbach led NYU with 700 assists and 5.74 per set, while Nazor was third in kills (224).