Wednesday, October 25, 2023
by Evan O'Kelly

PORTLAND, Ore. – Western Oregon seniors Bella MacLellan and Emily Olson headlined the 2023 Great Northwest Athletic Conference all-academic volleyball team presented by Barnes & Noble College, each holding perfect 4.0 grade point averages.

The Wolves duo were the lone seniors among six players in the conference to hold a spotless GPA, and each received academic all-conference recognition for the third year of their career. MacLellan is an exercise science major from Santa Ana, Calif., while Olson is an interdisciplinary studies major from Bend, Ore.

Junior Kylie Thorne from Central Washington was the other repeat selection to hold a perfect 4.0 GPA. Thorne is pursuing her degree in chemistry and is a Pasco, Wash., native. A trio of sophomores in Alaska Anchorage’s Madison Galloway (psychology), Alaska’s Elena Guc (homeland security), and Northwest Nazarene’s Sarah Lyons (nursing) were first-time all-academic selections to hold a 4.0 GPA.

Senior Caroline McMahon from Northwest Nazarene and senior Ashley Kaufman from Central Washington were the only two players in the conference with the rare distinction of being a four-time all-academic selection. Kaufman, who recently broke the 1,000-career kills barrier, is a sport management major from Hayden, Idaho. McMahon, who recently broke into the top-10 in GNAC history in digs, is a spiritual formation major from Medford, Ore.

Seattle Pacific led all GNAC schools with 11 all-academic selections, while Central Washington landed 10 players on the list. A total of 68 GNAC volleyball players garnered all-academic recognition, including 20 first-time selections, 15 second-time selections, 31 third-year picks and a pair of fourth-year honorees.

To qualify for academic all-conference, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.20, must be in at least their second season competing for their team and must have competed on the course during the 2023 campaign.

Volleyball – 2023 Academic All-GNAC Team Presented by Barnes & Noble College  

Total Selections: 68 | Fourth year: 2 | Third year: 31 | Second year: 16 | Newcomers: 19

*-2022 All-Academic Selection | +-2021 All-Academic Selection | #-2020 All-Academic Selection