Fairbanks Named ACC Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year, 13 Panthers Named to All-ACC Academic Team

PITTSBURGH – Junior setter Rachel Fairbanks has been named the 2023 ACC Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year, announced by the conference Wednesday afternoon. This marks the third straight year a Panther has received the honor, as Serena Gray earned the award in 2021 and 2022. 

Fairbanks, a finance major, currently holds a 3.77 GPA. She had a standout junior season for the Panthers after being named an AVCA First Team All-American, AVCA East Coast Region Player of the Year, East Coast Region Team member, ACC Setter of the Year, All-ACC First Team and NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team. She recorded a career-high 933 assists while notching 190 digs, 59 kills, 52 blocks and 22 aces. 

In addition, a program best 13 Panthers were named to the All-ACC Academic Team. Seven Panthers earned the award for at least the second time while Lexis Akeo was dubbed to the team for the fourth time in her career. 

Lexis Akeo**** Management

Olivia Babcock, Undeclared

Blaire Bayless, Undeclared

Rachel Fairbanks**, Finance

Catherine Flood**, Media & Prof Communications

Dillyn Griffin**, Undeclared

Emily Klika**, Natural Sciences Area

Emma Monks, Non degree

Logan Mosley***, Non degree

Chiamaka Nwokolo**, Human Resource Law

Torrey Stafford, Undeclared

Haiti Tautua’a, Undeclared

Valeria Vazquez Gomez**, Health and Physical Activity