Dec. 14, 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. - University of Memphis outside hitter/middle blocker Altrese Hawkins was tabbed an honorable mention All-America performer, as announced Wednesday by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).

"It almost feels too good to be true that I have received such a high honor," Hawkins said. "I'm extremely blessed. Having such a strong support system from my coaches, team and family helped me immensely."

Hawkins, who earned AVCA All-Midwest Region honors in early December, is a two-time recipient of the honor. She joins Burton, Laura Côté and Heather Watts as the only four U of M players to ever earn AVCA All-America honors.

Also a two-time C-USA All-Academic team selection, Hawkins 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).