Nov. 23, 2011

IRVING, Texas - Junior outside hitter Altrese Hawkins was named a First Team All-Conference USA performer, the league announced Wednesday. This is the second-straight year she has received the distinction from C-USA.

"Any recognition from conference is always a big deal," Hawkins said. "The strong support system I have from my family, friends and teammates helped me push myself this season. I'm extremely blessed."

"Congratulations to Altrese for another solid year as a member of this program," head coach April Jauregui said. "C-USA is a conference with tremendous parody and as you can see from the All CUSA list a lot of very talented players. Altrese has proven herself, not only as a top player in the conference, but one of the best offensive players to ever wear a Memphis uniform. This season, Altrese has also developed her back court skills and has emerged as a true leader on the court. She has matured so much in just 3 years. I am very proud of her and looking forward to see how far she can take her game this spring and next season."

Hawkins, also a two-time C-USA All-Academic team selection, currently ranks ninth in Memphis history with 1,329 career kills. Hawkins leads Memphis in sets played (117), matches started (32), kills (511), kills per set (4.37) and hitting percentage (.284). She is second in C-USA in both kills per set and points per set (4.74).

"Of course, any individual accolade is a testament to the performance of our team," Jauregui said. "Our primary passers Vesna Jelic and Aleksandra Petronijevic were some of the best in the conference. While their contribution may not be recognized with a formal award, we know that their ability to control the ball is a key factor in our offense. In addition, our setter, Hajnalka Molnar had a remarkable season. She emerged this season as an elite setter who made her mark on the national rankings. Our offensive production is in direct relation to her ability to distribute the ball and make wise choices."

Memphis plays its final match of the 2011 season Wednesday night when it takes on UAB at 7 p.m. in Birmingham, Ala.

"As a program that our future is bright," Jauregui said. "We return a solid starting lineup, who will have another year of experience going into next season. I continue to anticipate great things for our players."

2011 CONFERENCE USA VOLLEYBALL POSTSEASON AWARD WINNERS

ALL-CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM
Lucy Charuk, Houston
Altrese Hawkins, Memphis
Nancy Cole, Rice
Courtney Manning, SMU
Kelsea Seymour, Southern Miss
Jessica Adams, Tulsa
Tyler Henderson, Tulsa
Diana Silva, Tulsa
Sam Serley, UAB
Angelica Crump, UCF
Xitlali Herrera, UTEP

ALL-CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM
Katie Norris, Houston
Chandace Tryon, Houston
Abby Tomas, Marshall
Megan Murphy, Rice
Jessica Oliver, SMU
Dana Powell, SMU
Lisa Knecht, Southern Miss
Ashley Mell, Southern Miss
Cori Martone, Tulane
Kellie Culbertson, Tulsa
Heather Thomas, UAB
Evija Vilde, UCF
Rachel Vukson, UCF
Jeane Horton, UTEP

ALL FRESHMAN TEAM
Caitlin Ogletree, Houston
Sammie Bane, Marshall
Jillian Humphrey, Rice
Caroline Young, SMU
Anna Wruck, Tulane
Delaina Sarden, UCF

PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Tyler Henderson, Tulsa

SETTER OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Seymour, Southern Miss

LIBERO OF THE YEAR
Jessica Adams, Tulsa

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Delaina Sarden, UCF

CO-COACHES OF THE YEAR
Steven McRoberts, Tulsa
Kerry Messersmith, UAB