Steve Shondell knew he had one of the best liberos in the country entering the season. Now he has the hardware to back it up.
Alyssa Rio was named The Collegiate Volleyball Update National Player of the Week after a career night in Ball State's first win against Western Michigan Friday since 2006. She also helped lead Ball State to a sweep against Northern Illinois on Saturday and sole possession of first place in the Mid-American Conference.
Rio collected a career high 44 digs against the Broncos. She also posted a perfect 1.000 reception percentage while adding four assists and a service ace. Rio had 19 digs against the Huskies despite their attempt to avoid hitting the ball to her.
"National awards aren't something we expect with having only had one player in the past winning a national award," Ball State coach Steve Shondell said. "Alyssa has played great defense and been the anchor for our passing and serving game."
Rio is only the second player in Ball State history to receive the National Player of the Week honor. Amanda McCormick won the honor in 2005 and 2006.
"Even being in the same company as Amanda McCormick is an honor. From everything I know of her, she was a great player," Rio said. "Its nice going out as strong as possible in what could be my last volleyball season ever."
Rio found out about the award late Monday night. The news was surprising, she said. Rio didn't know she could be eligible for such an accolade.
"Steve called me last night to congratulate me on the highest honor and I was confused. He had already called me about the MAC West Defensive Player of the Week honors," Rio said. "Awards aren't what I'm after. I just want to help the team win."
For the season Rio has accumulated 520 digs. She averages 5.78 digs per set, which ranks fourth in the nation. In MAC action Rio has recorded 288 digs for a 6 dig per set average.
"Her season has to be comparable to any libero in the nation," Shondell said. "She's been in the top-10 all year in digs per set."
Rio beat out players such as Amanda Roberston, a middle blocker from Duke and Caitlyn Vann, a libero Missouri.
Robertson recorded 37 kills on the weekend, including a career high 22 against Clemson en route to ACC Player of the Week honors. Vann, a Muncie native, took Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors with 50 digs in six sets and averaging 8.33 digs per set.
Rio credits Shondell and assistant coaches Kelli Miller and Corey Carlin for her success this season.
"The coaching staff is the reason for my confidence," Rio said. "They believe in me and it gives me faith in myself when the coaches believe in me."
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