Despite DePauw’s volleyball team not making the NCAA tournament, Keely McGrath’s senior season has still been a memorable one.
The defensive specialist was named Honorable Mention All-American over the break.
“It was definitely a great ending to my career, but I will miss everything about this sport,” said McGrath, who holds DePauw’s all-time record for digs with 2,455. “It has been an honor and a privilege to have played a college sport and I am more than thankful for everything that it has taught me.”
The recognition is voted on by coaches, and is given by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. McGrath is the third Tiger to get onto an All-American team, with senior setter Faith Rolwes being named an Honorable Mention All-American last season.
“McGrath has been a relentless competitor,” said Head Coach Deb Zellers. “She is a player that has improved a lot in four years in every way: in her leadership, in her mentality and in her skillset.”
Zellers also noted how difficult it is for a defensive player to receive the title, as coaches focus on player stats, an aspect of the sport that is generous to offensive players. Nevertheless, McGrath still managed to leave a lasting impression on her opponents.
“She really frustrated some of the best teams and some of the best hitters that she was facing because they couldn’t score against her,” said Zellers. “[During] the last two years we’ve established our defense in such a way that we were funneling balls to her by where we were placing our block because she was so strong and capable of making those plays.”