WESTERVILLE — The Marietta College volleyball team had five players named to the 2024 All-Ohio Athletic Conference women’s volleyball team by the league office on Monday morning.

Graduate student middle blocker Maggie Fellers, junior outside hitter Jillian Fellers, senior setter Emory Spitler, and senior outside hitter Mia Silva all earned first team honors. Keira Shannon was named to the second team. The five All-OAC honorees is the most in program history and this is the first time in program history that Marietta had four players named to the first team.

“I am so proud of each and every one of these girls,” said Marietta College head coach Kristy Newman. “They are so deserving. It is incredible to see the work ethic, selflessness, drive, and dedication that they put in day in and day out for their teammates.”

With an undefeated regular season now in the record books, Newman was deservedly recognized as OAC Coach of the Year for the second time in her career. “Getting this award is such an amazing honor, but it is not possible without my assistant and my players,” said Newman. “Each player that is a part of our program is so incredible and I am so honored to get to say I am their coach. They are the most selfless, hardworking, loving and caring group of women. Two years ago, Coach Hadley (Florence) joined us and since day one she has pushed me, cared about me and each of our players and reminded me that we are doing the right things even when the cards weren’t falling our way. I am so thankful for her and everything she does to make MC volleyball better daily!”

More accolades were received as Maggie Fellers was also recognized as the Player of the Year in the OAC. Fellers is one of the most decorated players in the history of the program as this is the fourth time that she was placed on the All-OAC first team. She also has been named an AVCA All-American in the last two seasons.

This year, Maggie played and started in 21 regular season matches. She landed in the top ten in kills per set (2.58) and nearly averaged a block per set. Her .298 hitting percentage was good for seventh in the conference and she also placed in the top 20 with 2.71 digs per set.

“Maggie has put so much into Marietta College volleyball, not only this year, but over the last 5 years,” said Newman. “She has been a leading point scorer for us since her freshman year, but that was never enough for Mags. She is driven every day to improve not for herself, but for her teammates. I believe this is one of the main reasons everyone in our program respects her so much! She truly embodies everything that this program stands for!”

Jillian Fellers played and started all 22 regular season matches. She led the team with 272 kills and was second in the OAC in kills per set with 3.40.

“Since day one, Jillian has been a fierce competitor in matches,” commented Coach Newman. “However, I have seen her take that to a different level this season. She has been showing her competitiveness and drive every day in practice and pushing her teammates to do the same and it has caught like wildfire in our gym.”

Spitler started all 22 matches for the Pioneers and led the OAC for a third consecutive season in assists per set (10.90).

“Emory is, without a doubt, the best setter in the OAC,” said Newman. “But that is not the only thing that makes her stand out. Her ability to lead on and off the court is special to watch.”

Silva sat out a pair of games on the season and was still second on the team in kills (224) and sixth in the OAC with 3.2 kills per set.

“Mia has always been an important part of our program, but this season I have seen huge growth in her on and off the court,” said Newman. “On the court, she has been put under more high-pressure situations than in the past and is handling them in an amazing way. I have also gotten to see the way Mia cares and supports her teammates on and off the court and it has been awesome to watch.”

Shannon made her first career appearance on the All-OAC team although she has been one of the fiercest defenders in the OAC during her career. During the season, she was recognized for collecting 1,000 career digs. This season, she currently leads the OAC with 5.78 digs per set.

“Keira has always been a spark plug for MC volleyball,” said Newman. “She is always striving to be the best libero she can be. She comes into practice daily and is full of energy to make herself better and push her teammates.”

Marietta completed a perfect 22-0 regular season and received the #1 seed in the OAC Tournament. The Pioneers will host the winner of Tuesday’s OAC quarterfinal matchup between Ohio Northern and John Carroll this Thursday (Nov. 9). The OAC semifinal match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

“These girls make me proud every single day on and off the court,” concluded Newman. “Getting to coach them is a huge blessing and I am so thankful they are a part of MC volleyball.”