Omaha World-Herald All-Midlands Team news article
SEWARD, Neb. – Two Bulldogs in particular stand amongst the best volleyball players from Nebraska small colleges, according to the Omaha World-Herald. The news outlet announced its 2024 NAIA/NCAA D-III All-Midlands Volleyball Team on Friday (Dec. 27) and named junior Ashley Keck and graduate student Gabi Nordaker to its primary eight-player squad. The two star Bulldogs were joined with All-Midlands team accolades by honorable mention selections in Becca Gebhardt, Addie Kirkegaard, Savannah Shelburne and Ella Waters.
The Omaha World-Herald annually releases its All-Midlands teams to recognize the top players from small colleges across the state of Nebraska. The full 2024 All-Midlands squad can be found below. The honorees helped the Concordia University, Nebraska Volleyball team to a 27-4 overall record and NAIA national quarterfinal appearance.
2024 Concordia All-Midlands Team Honorees
Ashley Keck, OH
2024 – 31 matches (111 sets), 379 kills (3.41/set), 409 digs (3.68/set), 29 blocks, .231 hitting percentage; NAIA First Team All-American; GPAC Attacker of the Year; First Team All-GPAC.
Gabi Nordaker, MB
2024 – 31 matches (111 sets), 273 kills (2.46/set), 139 blocks (1.25/set), .371 hitting percentage; NAIA Second Team All-American; First Team All-GPAC.
Becca Gebhardt, DS (HM)
2024 – 31 matches (112 sets), 487 digs (4.35/set), 9 aces; Honorable Mention All-GPAC.
Addie Kirkegaard, RS (HM)
2024 – 31 matches (114 sets), 237 kills (2.08/set), 85 blocks (0.75/set), .192 hitting percentage; Second Team All-GPAC.
Savannah Shelburne, S (HM)
2024 – 31 matches (114 sets), 680 assists (5.96/set), 222 digs (1.95/set), 33 aces; Honorable Mention All-GPAC.
Ella Waters, RS (HM)
2024 – 30 matches (109 sets), 293 kills (2.69/set), 64 digs, 63 blocks, .295 hitting percentage; First Team All-GPAC.
2024 NAIA/NCAA D-III All-Midlands Team (Omaha World-Herald)
OH: * Eve Fountain, Bellevue
OH: Ashley Keck, Concordia
OH: Kealy Kiviniemi, Bellevue
OH: Brooklyn Synder, Midland
MB: Gabi Nordaker, Concordia
MB: Abbey Ringler, Midland
S: Elecea Saathoff, Nebraska Wesleyan
L: Miriam Miller, Hastings
Honorable mention: Bellevue: Mila Aiwohi, Savanna Berger, Haley Fleischman. College of Saint Mary: Azaria Green, Liz Henrichson, Elen Pruett, Grace Werner. Concordia: Becca Gebhardt, Addie Kirkegaard, Savannah Shelburne, Ella Waters. Doane: Camdyn Carpenter, Grace Zeier. Hastings: Mikah O’Neill, Alexis Pontine, Majesta Valasek. Midland: Jacki Apel, Cameran Jansky, Kailyn Scott, Delanie Vallinch. Nebraska Wesleyan: Kobie Patten, Molly Ramirez, Addie Thomas. Peru State: Kennedy Miller, Eden Moore, Raevyn Russell. York: Cassie Richardson, Kenna Tarnowski, Kaylee Weigel.
*Denotes honorary team captain