Michella Chester’s 2024 season awards for women’s volleyball

The 2024 women’s college volleyball season was one for the books. NCAA.com’s Michella Chester shares her end-of-season superlatives.

Let’s do it!

Best hairstyle: Cat Flood, Pitt

She styled her hair in so many different ways on game day, and it was always so good.

Most electric player: Laney Choboy, Nebraska

This was a tough choice with so many electric players, but I have to give it to Laney Choboy. Her incredible plays and reactions never fail to fire me up.

SETTING THE BAR: Women’s college volleyball all-time attendance records

Top leader: Anna DeBeer, Louisville

This was an easy choice for me after witnessing how Anna DeBeer led her team, even while sidelined with an injury. She took charge during every huddle and timeout, finding ways to lead her teammates, even from off the court.

Most dangerous attacker: Olivia Babcock, Pitt

Another easy choice for me is the AVCA Player of the Year, Olivia Babcock—she was unreal.

That said, a shoutout to Penn State’s Jess Mruzik, especially for her incredible performance in the championship. Her shots were nothing short of spectacular.

Team of the Year: SMU 

This award isn’t just for the champions—I’m giving it to SMU. They started the season unranked and off most people’s radar, but they defied expectations, beating the top two teams in the country and finishing the regular season as a top 10 program.

Biggest impact transfer: Caroline Jurevicius, Penn State

There’s no greater impact than transferring into a program and leading it all the way to the national championship game.

Best celebrations: Charitie Luper, Louisville

She gets that fire in her eyes and competes like no one else on the court—an absolute thrill to watch.

Top story of the year: Katie Schumacher-Cawley, Penn State

Katie Schumacher-Cawley made history as the first woman head coach to win a national title, all while courageously battling breast cancer. Truly inspiring.

2024 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: Penn State beats Louisville, wins 8th NCAA volleyball title in program history

Best slide attack: Andi Jackson, Nebraska

One of the top offensive middles throughout the entire season.

Program changer award: Melanie Parra, TCU

She has made an incredible impact on TCU, becoming the program’s first AVCA First Team All-American. This season, TCU achieved its first-ever top-25 ranking.

Biggest…