Player of the Week: November 19, 2012

Each Monday in the fall, one player originally reported as a recruit by AVSR Global is named Player of the Week for her performance of the past week and current season.

Player of the Week:Kelsie Wills

Hofstra University
Sophomore, 6'1"Outside Hitter
Home:Walton, New Zealand
Reported by AVSR Global:October 2010
See Kelsie Wills's bio at the Hofstra University web site.

Last week’s action:

• The sophomore slugged Hofstra to the Colonial Athletic Association championship and into the NCAA tournament. It's Hofstra’s first trip to the NCAA tourney since 2006.
• Wills was named Most Outstanding Performer of the CAA championship, leading Hofstra over Delaware, Towson, and William & Mary.
• She scored 4.2 kills per set at a .231 rate, collected 2.8 digs per set, and served six aces.

Excerpt from original AVSR Global report (2010):

“Exciting but unrefined player with a lively body and sharp instincts everywhere on the court. .... Has big moments as an athletic, aggressive swinger. Especially dangerous at terminating off-target sets. .... Can play six rotations in the top third of Division I as a LH or RH.”

Special Mention:Liene Mellupe

College of Southern Idaho
Sophomore, 5'10½"Right-Side / Left-Side Hitter
Home:Riga, Latvia
Reported by AVSR Global:December 2010
See Liene Mellupe’s bio at the College of Southern Idaho web site.

Last week’s action:

• Mellupe crowned her comeback from last year’s knee injury by powering Southern Idaho to the NJCAA championship as the nation’s top junior college team.
• An all-tournament selection, Mellupe averaged 3.1 kills per set, a .246 hitting rate, and 3.1 digs per set. CSI defeated Faulkner State, Hillsborough, San Jacinto, and Western Nebraska.

Excerpt from original AVSR Global report (2010):

“Swift, powerful athlete and dynamic, all-purpose player. She isn't refined at any position, but her skills are strong in all phases of the game, and her instincts are outstanding. .... Can play RH or LH for a Top 40 team. Has greater potential as a setter but would need development.”