Lady Buffs Volleyball Dominance: Three Players Named All-Americans

The West Texas A&M Lady Buffs volleyball program is celebrating a trio of its players earning prestigious All-American honors. The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced the accolades on Wednesday, highlighting the exceptional talent within the Lady Buffs ranks. Emma Becker, Bryli Contreras, and Taytum Stow were all recognized for their outstanding contributions to the team’s success this season, securing their places among the nation’s elite Division II volleyball players.

Becker’s Offensive Prowess Earns First-Team Nod

Emma Becker, a junior with a potent offensive game, has been named to the AVCA All-American First Team. This achievement marks Becker’s second All-American honor from the AVCA and underscores her significant impact on the Lady Buffs’ campaign. She consistently led the team in kills (343) and total points (381.0), averaging 3.46 kills per set with an impressive.295 hitting percentage. Becker’s offensive dominance was evident throughout the season as she routinely surpassed the 10-kill mark in over half of the Lady Buffs’ matches. In addition to her offensive accolades, Becker was also a first-team All-Lone Star Conference selection and a member of both the LSC and NCAA South Central Regional All-Tournament teams.

Stow’s Defensive Mastery Shines

Taytum Stow, a two-time Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Year, earned All-American Honorable Mention recognition for her unwavering presence in the middle of the court. Stow’s impact was felt on both sides of the ball, as she registered an impressive .364 hitting percentage on 209 kills while also becoming a defensive force. She averaged 1.27 blocks per set, totaling 138 blocks throughout the season, which ranked her 21st and 17th respectively among all of Division II players. Stow played a critical role in the team’s undefeated conference record and their capture of the Lone Star Conference Championship. She was also a standout on the South Central All-Region Tournament Team.

Contreras: A Defensive Wall in the Back Court

Bryli Contreras, the veteran libero, secured All-American Honorable Mention status with her exceptional back-court prowess. She led the Lady Buffs with an impressive 526 digs, averaging 4.78 per set, while also contributing 42 service aces. A true team leader, Contreras’ defensive skills allowed the Lady Buffs to maintain possession and dictate the tempo of matches. Contreras’ consistent performance over her career has solidified her as one of the top players in program history, ranking tenth overall with 1,528 digs in a Lady Buffs uniform and a career total of 1,851 digs. Like her teammates, Contreras’ exemplary performance also secured her a place in the All-Lone Star Conference Team and the LSC All-Tournament Team.

A Testament to Teamwork and Skill

The achievements of Becker, Stow, and Contreras reflect not only their individual skills but also the strength and depth of the West Texas A&M program. Their All-American accolades shine a light on the dedication of the entire Lady Buffs team and the coaching staff. These three athletes have proven themselves to be among the top players in all of Division II volleyball, and their success is a source of pride for the university and their fans. As the season concludes, these All-American honours serve as a perfect exclamation point on the Lady Buffs’ performance this year.