CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Radford volleyball team has been picked to finish fourth and senior libero
Shelby Hernandez was named Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and Preseason All-Conference, the Big South announced Wednesday afternoon.
The Highlanders have doubled their win total in each of the last three seasons, going from three wins in 2020 to six wins in 2021 and finally to a strong 12 wins during the 2022 season a year ago. Eight of those 12 wins came in conference play – another sign of the program's recent growth.
Now heading into Head Coach
Sherisa Livingston's fourth year at the helm, Radford has earned its highest preseason poll ranking since 2019. The selection bods well for the Highlanders, as only the top four teams in the regular season standings will earn a bid to the Big South Tournament in 2023.
Hernandez put together the best season of her collegiate career in 2022, playing in all 28 matches on the schedule. The Lochbouie, Colo. Native led the Highlanders with 420 digs and 4.57 digs per set while also posting a .960 receive percentage, dishing out 60 assists and landing 25 service aces.
She was named to the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) All-State Second Team and also earned a spot on the Big South All-Academic Team.
This marks the first time Radford has placed a player on the All-Big South Preseason team since 2019 when both Mallory McKnight and Stephanie Neast made the cut.
2023 BIG SOUTH VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL
| Rk. |
Team (First Place Votes) |
Points |
| 1. |
High Point (6) |
62 |
| 2. |
Winthrop (1) |
55 |
| 3. |
Charleston Southern (1) |
44 |
| 4. |
Radford |
40 |
| 5. |
Gardner-Webb |
35 |
| 6. |
USC Upstate |
20 |
| 7. |
Presbyterian |
18 |
| 8. |
UNC Asheville |
14 |
2023 BIG SOUTH PRESEASON VOLLEYBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM
Dylan Maberry, High Point, OH (Preseason Player of the Year)
Indigo Young, Charleston Southern, MB
Isabella Murray / Rachel McCollum, Winthrop, S (Preseason Setters of the Year)
Brookelynn Thomas, Winthrop, MB/OPP
Avery Jolley, Winthrop, OH
Skylar Yates, Charleston Southern, OH
Shelby Hernandez, Radford, LIB (Preseason Defensive Player of the Year)
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