DALLAS – Reigning Conference USA Freshman of the Year, UTSA's outside hitter Kirby Smith, was named to the Conference USA Preseason Team the league office announced Thursday.
Last season, the Plano, Texas native led the Roadrunners in kills with 3.00 per set, while adding 2.93 digs per set and 24 service aces. Her 3.45 points finished second in the league. Her 24 aces led the conference's freshmen, while ranking second in kills per set and digs.
Smith became the first Roadrunner to earn C-USA Freshman of the Year honor since UTSA joined the league in 2013. Megan Daniel was the last Roadrunner to earn Conference Freshman of the Year accolades, securing the Southland Conference award in 2003.
UTSA travels across town Thursday, Aug. 22 for its lone exhibition match facing UIW at 6 p.m. The regular season kicks off at the SMU Doubletree Invitational in Dallas against Stephen F. Austin at 10 a.m. Aug. 30.
2019 Conference USA Preseason Team (12)
Tyra Galloway, Charlotte, So., MB
Yumi Garcia, Charlotte, Sr., L/DS
Massiel Matos, Florida Atlantic, Sr., OH
Sigourney Kame, Florida Atlantic, Sr., RS/OH
Ciara Debell, Marshall, R-Jr., Pin
Valerie Valerian, North Texas, Jr., OH
Nicole Lennon, Rice, Jr., OH
Grace Morgan, Rice, Sr., MB
Anota Adekunle, Rice, So., MB
Kirby Smith, UTSA, So., OH
Sophia Cerino, WKU, Sr., RS
Lauren Matthews, WKU, So., MH
2019 Conference USA Volleyball Preseason Player of the Year
Nicole Lennon, Rice
