Posted: Jul 23, 2021

FSU's Katie O'Connell Honored As 2021 CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team Member

Big Rapids, Mich. - Ferris State University senior hitter Katie O'Connell (Evergreen Park, Ill.) was recently chosen as a 2021 CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team member for her accomplishments both on and off the floor.

The CoSIDA Academic All-America teams recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. Student-athletes are nominated by their school's respective sports information directors thru the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Previously, O'Connell was chosen this year as a first-team all-district pick. With her selection to the squad, this year also represents the third consecutive year in which O'Connell has garnered either All-America or Academic All-America honors.

A total of only seven individuals garnered Academic All-America First Team honors with seven also named each to both the second and third-team squads.

A two-time All-American, O'Connell played in 14 matches this year and compiled a squad-high 182 kills with 223 digs to go with 27 total blocks and 10 aces. She averaged 3.57 kills and 4.37 digs per set for the Bulldogs, ranking among the league leaders in both categories.

This season, O'Connell received All-GLIAC First Team recognition and was also named to the GLIAC All-Tournament Team as the Bulldogs reached the league semifinals. FSU finished the spring campaign with an 11-5 overall record.