Franklin Named Player of the Year Finalist

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin volleyball’s Sarah Franklin looks to repeat as National Player of the Year as she was named a 2024 finalist for the same award, announced by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Tuesday.

To begin the 2024 season, outside hitter Sarah Franklin was on the AVCA watch list as a candidate to earn National Player of the Year honors. That watch list was eventually expanded to 60 potential candidates mid-season, and sized down to a shortened list of semifinalists, in October. After the NCAA Regional Finals, Franklin remained and named as a finalist on a short list of four candidates. Joining Franklin are right side Olivia Babcock (Pittsburgh), outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye (Kentucky), and libero Lexi Rodriguez (Nebraska).

The 6-foot-4 outside hitter started and played in every single match this season, averaging 4.46 kills per set, 2.28 digs per set, and 4.96 points per set. Out of 33 matches, Franklin hit double-figure kills in all but two matches, and tallied nine matches with 20+ kills. Her 4.46 kills per set ranked second in the Big Ten and 20^thin the NCAA. 

AVCA National Player of the Year will be announced at Friday’s All-American banquet in Louisville.