OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary volleyball player Rachel Cushing has been recognized for her success both in the classroom and on the volleyball court.

It was announced today that Cushing has been named a 2023 Academic All-America® Women's Volleyball NAIA Second Team selection, as chosen by the College Sports Communicators.

Cushing, a senior libero for the Flames, played in 29 of CSM's 31 matches and had 581 digs on the season. The biology major has a 4.0 cumulative GPA.

FIRST TEAM

Name                                    School                                              Yr.           GPA                              Major

Jazlin De Haan                       Northwestern College (Iowa)               Jr.           3.85                              Physical Education

Ady Dwight                           Dakota Wesleyan University                 Sr.           3.86                              Nursing

Eva Joldersma                       Indiana Wesleyan University                So.          3.65                              Exercise Science

Zavyr Metzger                       Northwestern College (Iowa)               So.          3.96                              Nursing

Abbigail Porter                      Indiana Wesleyan University                So.          3.94                              Nursing

Grace Rohde                         Viterbo University                               Sr.           4.00                              Engineering

Kira Rymer-Attaway              Columbia International University         Gr.           3.89/3.91                      Master of Business Admin.

SECOND TEAM
Name                                   School                                                 Yr.           GPA                              Major

Bree Burtwistle                     Concordia University, Nebraska               Sr.           3.77                              Biology

Rachel Cushing                     College of Saint Mary                             Sr.           4.00                              Biology

Mackenzie Grafton                St. Ambrose University                           Sr.           3.83                              Marketing

Kenzie Kuxhaus                    OUAZ                                                    Sr.           3.80                              Business Administration

Ella Maiden                          Milligan University                                   Jr.           3.66                              Business Administration

Camryn Opfer                      Concordia University, Nebraska                Sr.           3.64                              Accounting

Katie Rolle                           Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University       Sr.           3.90                              Mechanical Engineering

CSC Academic All-America® Team Member of the Year: Ady Dwight, Dakota Wesleyan University

The two NAIA teams had a 3.84 cumulative GPA. 

The NAIA Academic All-America® program is being financially supported by the NAIA national governance structure to assist CSC with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2023-24 NAIA Academic All-America® program.