The historic 31-2 campaign for Virginia Wesleyan University women's volleyball was further distinguished this week as the Old Dominion Athletic Conference announced its postseason awards. The Marlins collected five All-Conference selections—including the league's top individual honor—highlighting one of the most dominant seasons in program history.

Player of the Year: Hannah Smith – Outside Hitter
A model of consistency and excellence, junior outside hitter Hannah Smith has been named the 2025 ODAC Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference following one of the most complete seasons in the nation. Smith led the Marlins with 452 kills and an impressive 3.96 kills per set, while hitting .277 across 1,074 total attacks. Her all-around impact was unmatched. Smith delivered 79 service aces (0.69 per set), posted 439 digs (3.85 per set), and contributed 45 total blocks, compiling 555 points, the most among all VWU players. Her scoring ability, defensive output, and presence in the clutch elevated the Marlins throughout their undefeated regular-season conference run. In the record books, she currently sits second in program history in Career kills wth 1,279. She broke her own single-match record for most kills in a game with 34 on Nov. 13th against W&L in the ODAC Championship Touranement. 

First Team All-Conference Selection:
Breana Brooks – Middle Blocker
Sophomore middle blocker Breana Brooks proved to be one of the most efficient attackers in the conference. She recorded 219 kills at an exceptional .362 hitting percentage, the highest among VWU's primary attackers, while adding 23 solo blocks, 89 block assists, and a team-best 1.02 blocks per set. Brooks' presence at the net anchored a Marlin defense that consistently stifled opposing offenses.

Niya Nash – Setter
Sophomore setter Niya Nash orchestrated one of the most productive offenses in Division III. Nash delivered an outstanding 1,200 assists—good for 10.60 assists per set—to guide the Marlins to a team average of 12.79 assists per set and a collective .254 hitting percentage.. She also contributed 51 aces, 298 digs, and 27 total blocks, underscoring her value as a true all-around setter. She broke two school records this season for the most assists in a single-season and for the most assists in a single-match (65).

Second Team All-Conference Selection:
Alexis Shaw – Right Side
Junior right-side hitter Alexis Shaw emerged as one of the ODAC's most reliable offensive threats. She tallied 320 kills, ranking second on the team, while hitting .300 across 787 attacks. Shaw complemented her scoring strength with 82 digs and 71 total blocks, demonstrating her versatility and steady production on both sides of the ball.

Third Team All-Conference Selection:
Skylar Rivers – Libero
Senior libero Skylar Rivers delivered a tremendous final campaign, anchoring the Marlins' backcourt with 481 digs, the most on the team, averaging 4.11 digs per set. Rivers also supplied 102 assists and 52 service aces, establishing herself as one of the conference's steadiest defensive specialists and serve-receive leaders.