DALLAS, Texas - Today the American Southwest Conference announced the 2024 Volleyball All-Conference awards and teams, and three Howard Payne Lady Jackets were selected. Tara Bennett was named ASC Freshman of the Year and Brylee Awbrey was named the ASC Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year.

Tara Bennett– First Team All-Conference/ASC Freshman of the Year – OH
Freshman outside hitter Tara Bennett appeared in 92 sets across 25 total games for the Lady Jackets. In her first season with the Lady Jackets, Bennett finished first in kills with 284 while also recording 23 assists. Bennett ranked third overall in total points scored throughout the ASC, while also ranked third in the league in kills per set averaging 3.09. On the defensive side, Bennett ranked third on the team in digs with 251. She had 23 blocks as well. Bennett was named ASC Freshman of the Year.

Makenzie Weddel – Second Team All-Conference– OH
Sophomore outside hitter Makenzie Weddel appeared in 91 sets and started all 25 games for the Lady Jackets. Weddel finished top 10 in the ASC in kills per set (6th), Aces per set (10th), and digs per set (9th). Weddel also finished second in kills for the Lady Jackets with 268 while also recording 18 assists. On the defensive side, Weddel ranked first in digs on the team with a total 301, eclipsing 300 for the first time in her career. She had 26 blocks as well.

Brylee Awbrey – Honorable Mention All-Conference/Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year – OH
Senior outside hitter Brylee Awbrey appeared in 92 sets across 25 total games for the Lady Jackets. Brylee ranked third in kills (124) and total points (158) for the Lady Jackets. Awbrey also recording 22 assists. On the defensive side, Awbrey recorded 95 digs and 47 blocks. She was voted and recognized as the ASC Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year. 

Link to full ASC release