WALLA WALLA, Wash. - Denise Kirstein, a senior outside hitter on the Whitman College volleyball team, has been named the Northwest Conference Volleyball Player of the Year in a vote of league coaches.
"Denise is a great choice for player of the year," Whitman volleyball coach Dean Snider said. "She was clearly the most dominant player in the NWC this season. She had a much greater impact on her team than did any other player in our league."
Kirstein was one of two Missionaries named to the seven-player All-NWC First Team. Jill Huber, a senior middle blocker, also earned first-team honors. Kate Borsato, Whitman's first-year setter, received honorable mention recognition.
Kirstein, a graduate of Ferris High School in Spokane, Wash., led the NWC in kills this fall, setting a new single-season school record with a total of 423 kills. She averaged 4.60 kills per game, and she also led Whitman in digs, averaging 3.84 per game.
Midway through the season, Kirstein was named NWC Player of the Week three times in the span of four weeks.
"Denise has been an extremely hard worker," Snider said. "She worked to improve herself in each of her four seasons, and the result is evident for all to see. What a great role model for our younger players."
Kirstein finished her Whitman career with 1,066 kills, 1,095 digs, 133 blocks and 85 service aces.
Huber, a graduate of Enumclaw (Wash.) High School, had earned All-NWC Second Team honors in each of her first three seasons. She completed her collegiate career with 1,306 kills, a new career record at Whitman. Her career totals also include 989 digs, 341 blocks and 161 service aces.
"Jill has been a great player for us the past four years," Snider said. "I can't say enough about what she has done for our program. She's a great player and a great person. She will be missed tremendously."
Borsato, a graduate of Semiahmoo High School in White Rock, British Columbia, finished her first collegiate season with 1,023 assists. Her 10.66 average was the fourth-best mark in the NWC. She also had 147 digs and 22 blocks.
"Kate has been a catalyst for our team success this season," Snider said. "She shows great maturity on the court for a young player. I look forward to watching her mature and improve as a player."
Whitman finished its fall campaign with a win-loss record of 15-10, which included a 10-6 mark and third-place finish in the NWC.