UAH Volleyball Stars Earn All-GSC Honors in 2024 Season
The Gulf South Conference has announced its 2024 volleyball season awards. The UAH volleyball team received recognition with three players honored. Autumn Mayes and Kayla Ward were named First Team All-GSC, while Savannah Rutledge earned a spot on the Second Team.
This marks the second consecutive season for Mayes and Rutledge to earn All-GSC honors. Mayes achieved First Team recognition for the second time. Ward, in her first year receiving All-GSC honors, led the conference in blocks per set.
Ward had an impressive season, leading the GSC with a hitting percentage of .445 and averaging 1.26 blocks per set. She totaled 98 blocks and 134 kills during the season.
Mayes also excelled, leading the UAH offense with 324 total kills and an average of 3.09 kills per set. She contributed defensively as well, ranking second on her team with 354 digs and a 3.37 digs per set average.
What key strategies has Coach Emily Johnson implemented to lead UAH Volleyball to recent success in the Gulf South Conference?
Interview with Coach Emily Johnson on UAH Volleyball’s Recent Honors
Date: October 31, 2023
News Directory 3: Coach Johnson, congratulations on the recognition for your team in the Gulf South Conference! Can you share your thoughts on the accolades received by Autumn Mayes, Kayla Ward, and Savannah Rutledge?
Coach Emily Johnson: Thank you! We’re incredibly proud of Autumn, Kayla, and Savannah. Their hard work and determination have certainly paid off this season. Earning First Team All-GSC honors is a huge achievement, especially for Autumn and Savannah, who have now earned this recognition for two consecutive years. Kayla’s performance in her first year on the GSC stage has been nothing short of remarkable.
News Directory 3: Kayla led the conference in blocks and had an impressive hitting percentage. What do you think set her apart this season?
Coach Emily Johnson: Kayla’s dedication in the gym has been evident. Her ability to read the game and react quickly has greatly contributed to her success on both offense and defense. Leading the conference in blocking while maintaining a .445 hitting percentage showcases her skills and versatility that have been crucial for our team.
News Directory 3: Autumn Mayes has consistently been a powerhouse for your offense. How does her experience impact the team’s performance?
Coach Emily Johnson: Autumn is a natural leader on and off the court. Her scoring ability, with 324 kills this season, brings a significant offensive threat. Beyond her stats, her ability to motivate and guide her teammates is invaluable. Every time she’s on the court, you can feel her presence, and she raises the level of play around her.
News Directory 3: Last year’s GSC Setter of the Year, Savannah Rutledge, continues to impress. How vital has she been to your offense this season?
Coach Emily Johnson: Savannah is the backbone of our offense. With 615 assists and an average of nearly 6 assists per set, she orchestrates the plays and ensures everyone is in the right position. Her vision on the court allows us to maintain our rhythm and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
News Directory 3: Looking ahead, UAH is the second seed heading into the GSC Volleyball Championship. What are your expectations for the semi-final match?
Coach Emily Johnson: We’re excited about the opportunity to compete in the semi-finals. Our focus will be on maintaining our level of play, executing our game plan, and playing together as a unit. With the momentum we’ve built this season, I’m confident we can make a strong push for the championship.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Coach Johnson, for your insights. Best of luck in the upcoming matches!
Coach Emily Johnson: Thank you! We appreciate the support.
Rutledge, last year’s GSC Setter of the Year, maintained her strong performance with 615 assists this season. Her average of 5.86 assists per set ranked seventh in the GSC.
The Chargers are the second seed in the GSC Volleyball Championship. They will have a bye to the semi-final match on Saturday at 4:30 pm in Pensacola, Florida.