CLEARWATER, FL (12/13/2010)(readMedia)-- Clearwater Christian College junior, Emma Kile, of Butler, PA, was named the 2010 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) NCCAA National Player of the Year.
Emma was a key player at the NCCAA National Championships held this fall in Kissimmee, Florida. During the three-day event, Clearwater went undefeated in pool play winning matches against Multnomah, Grace University, Lancaster, and Maranatha. On Saturday, in the semi-final match, the Lady Cougars defeated Kentucky Christian University in three straight sets, placing them into the championship match against Ozark Christian College. The championship win ended CCC's season with an overall record of 46-8.
At the tournament, Emma was awarded First Team All-American, Scholar Athlete, Co-Player of the Year, and the MVP of the 2010 National Tournament. A press release from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) states, "Emma led the team in kills (787), hitting percentage (.351), total blocks (238) and finished third on the team in digs (539). Due to Kile's dominance at the net, Clearwater Christian led NCCAA Division II in kills with 2203 bombs on the year."
In addition to her stellar award repertoire, Emma has been an NCCAA All-American every year since joining the Lady Cougars. Her coach, Vickie Denny, said, "I can think of no one better than Emma Kile to receive this award from the American Volleyball Association as the NCCAA Player of the Year. Emma exemplifies the qualities of the Christian student athlete that the NCCAA is all about. To be honored among the best of the best on all levels of college volleyball is a special honor for Emma and a true blessing from God."
According to the AVCA, the presentation of the 2010 AVCA NCCAA National Player of the Year will be made December 17 in Kansas City, MO, at the AVCA All-America Players of the Year Banquet presented by Zamst, held in conjunction with the 2010 AVCA Annual Convention and NCCAA Division I Women's Volleyball National Championships.
CCC president, Richard Stratton said, "Clearwater Christian College is blessed to have Emma Kile as a member of its college family. Of course, she has excelled in her volleyball skills, but more importantly, she has been an outstanding example of a humble, kind, thoughtful, and Christ-honoring young person on our campus. I praise the Lord for her talents and her spirit. She is using both to honor her Lord."
Emma is a 2008 graduate of Calvary Academy and the daughter of Jared and Eileen Kile of Butler.