GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Lydia Harper, a standout student-athlete from AQ Volleyball Team, has been named to the First Team Academic All-America Volleyball Team (NAIA). This prestigious honor recognizes Harper's remarkable achievements both on the court and in the classroom.
Earlier this year, Harper was also named to the 2024 CSC Academic All-District Team, which honors the nation's top student-athletes for their combined excellence in academics and athletics.
The Criteria for Academic All-America Recognition
To be eligible for the Academic All-America® program, student-athletes must:
- Maintain a 3.50 GPA or higher.
- Participate in at least 90% of their institution's matches, or start in 66% of them.
The CSC Academic All-America® selections are voted on by members of the College Sports Communicators (CSC), with First-, Second-, and Third-Team honorees being announced on January 14, 2025.
A Season to Remember for Lydia Harper
Lydia Harper earned her place on the First Team Academic All-America list after a remarkable second season with the Saints, during which she solidified herself as one of the best setters in the nation. Her accolades include:
- 2024 WHAC Setter of the Year
- First Team All-Region
- First Team All-Conference
- NAIA Second Team All-American
- Four-time WHAC Setter of the Week
Harper's 2024 season statistics highlight her versatility and dominance on the court:
- 1,257 assists, averaging 10.56 assists per set.
- 61 service aces, averaging 0.51 per set.
- 167 kills, 254 digs, and 98 total blocks, showcasing her well-rounded skill set.
Her ability to lead the team with precision, while also excelling in other areas of the game, made her an integral part of the Saints' success this season.
After transferring from Miami of Ohio, Harper has flourished at Aquinas College, quickly becoming one of the most decorated athletes in the program's history. Her leadership on the court and commitment to academics have made her a role model for her peers.
Aquinas Director of Athletics Ronald D. Reeves commented, "Lydia is the epitome of what it means to be a student-athlete. She not only brings excellence on the court but also demonstrates outstanding dedication in the classroom. We are incredibly proud of all she has achieved, and she is so incredibly humble."
Her outstanding season and academic achievements serve as an inspiration to her teammates, peers, and the entire Saints community.
