The Gophers' Stephanie Samedy, a freshman opposite hitter from Clermont, Fla., was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association's first All-America team.
Samedy, who had a team-high 478 kills, is the program's first true freshman to be picked for the first team.
Two of her teammates also made All-America teams. Junior setter Samantha Seliger-Swenson of Minnesota made the second team and sophomore outside hitter Alexis Hart of Kansas City, Mo., the third team.
Senior middle blocker Molly Lohman of Minnesota earned All-America honorable mention.
Carew wins award
Former Twins player Rod Carew received the Lifetime Achievement Award on Wednesday night at the first-ever Minnesota Sports Awards at Target Center. A committee of sports executives and journalists selected the finalists and winners for five of the awards.
Other award winners: Courage Award: Maddie Muelken, Farmington softball pitcher; Minnesota Sports Moment of the Year: Muelken's team winning Class 4A state title; Pro Athlete of the Year: Sylvia Fowles, Lynx; College Athlete of the Year; Temi Ogunrinde, Gophers hammer thrower; High School Athlete of the Year: Taylor Anderson, Eagan girls hockey; Sam Carlson, Burnsville pitcher.
Etc.
• Four NSIC players were named to the Division II College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) All-America teams. Safety Andrew Spencer of Winona State, linebacker Dennis Gardeck of Sioux Falls and placekicker Casey Bednarski of Minnesota State Mankato made the first team, and Mavericks defensive lineman Evan Perrizo the second team.• Gustavus setter Nora Holtan made the CoSIDA Academic All-America Division III volleyball team while Bethel middle blocker Kristin Stern made the third team.
