Dec. 17, 2003

WASHINGTON - Finishing a spectacular career, senior Karla Kucerkova (Olomouc, Czech Republic/Brno) has become the first American University volleyball player to be named American Volleyball Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-America.

Kucerkova receives this honor after closing out a stellar senior campaign both athletically and academically. Leading the Eagles to 47 straight Patriot League victories and a fifth trip to the NCAA tournament, Kucerkova has been a national leader in kills per game, ending the season ranked seventh overall.

Adding to her accomplishments, she was recently honored as the College Sports Information Directors Association Academic All-American Volleyball Player of the Year for the second year in a row and is once a the only American University athlete to receive the award twice.

The Patriot League has also recognized the accomplishments of Kucerkova by naming her the Patriot League Volleyball Player of the Year for the third year in a row for her efforts in leading the Eagles to their third straight Patriot League Championship. Kucerkova was also named the Patriot League tournament Most Valuable Player for the second time in her career.

American ended its season on Dec. 5 with a loss to No. 25 Maryland in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The Eagles finished the regular season with a 22-9 overall record and a 14-0 Patriot League record.