IU junior middle blocker Ashley Benson has broken yet more ground in Hoosier volleyball history, becoming the program's first All-American.
Benson, who finished the 2009 season with a school record .361 hitting percentage as well as a 1.18 blocks-per-set average, ranking 49th nationally, was named Third Team All-America by the American Volleyball Coaches' Association (AVCA) Wednesday.
While former IU volleyball players Karen Dunham and Erica Short have garnered honorable mentions for All-America selection, Benson is the first to be named to one of the three rosters.
Follow the jump for a full press release from IUHoosiers.com announcing Benson's unprecedented achievement.
Ashley Benson Becomes First All-American in Program History
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Ashley Benson, Third-Team All-America |
Dec. 16, 2009
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Junior middle blocker Ashley Benson is officially the first All-American in IU Volleyball history, announced by the American Volleyball Coaches of America on Wednesday. She was named Third-Team All-America.
Benson, along with the rest of the 29th annual AVCA Division I All-America team members, will be presented their awards on Dec. 18 at the AVCA All-America/Players of the Year Banquet in Tampa, Fla., the night before the NCAA Championship match. In addition, the 2009 All-Americans will be announced to the crowd during the championship match, participate in a photo shoot and meet with Hugh McCutheon, head coach of the US Volleyball women's national team.
"There is no single individual honor more prestigious than being named to one of the All-America teams," said Head Coach Sherry Dunbar. "To be the first in Indiana Volleyball history adds to how special that award is to Ashley and our program. I'm very proud of Ashley for her commitment to this team, this program, and Indiana University."
Complete All-America Teams and Official AVCA Release 
The Bloomington, Ind., native was a unanimous All-Big Ten selection a few weeks ago, and was among the country's best in hitting percentage, blocks and points per set. She put together one of the most dominant seasons in the league both offensively and defensively. In addition to shattering the IU record for season hitting efficiency with her .361 efficiency, Benson could be found all over the Big Ten's statistical leaders as well. That .361 attack percentage slotted her fourth in the conference and 29th nationally. The 6-foot-3 middle blocker also cracked the top-10 in kills, blocks, points and service aces:
6th with 1.18 blocks per set (49th nationally)\0x2028
7th with 4.24 points per set\0x2028
8th with 3.32 kills per set\0x2028
9th with 0.26 aces per set
In just three years leading the IU Volleyball program, Coach Dunbar has guided two Hoosiers to national recognition. Erica Short became just the second Hoosier to earn All-America Honorable Mention honors in 2008.
Hoosiers With National Recognition:
Ashley Benson (2009), Third Team All-America
Erica Short (2008), All-America Honorable Mention
Karen Dunham (1985), All-America Honorable Mention
