Amber Aniston • October 18, 2024

Top Players Spotlighted in 2024 AVCA Division I Player of the Year Watch List

The race for the 2024 AVCA Division I Player of the Year is heating up as the updated Watch List, released in mid-October, now includes 52 standout athletes from across the country. With top programs like Nebraska, SMU, and Creighton leading the charge, this year’s list features some of the most talented players in college volleyball, all vying for the prestigious award presented by Nike Volleyball.


Nebraska Dominates the Watch List

Nebraska continues to assert its dominance in college volleyball, with five players named to the AVCA Watch List, the most of any program. The Huskers’ standout performers include Merritt Beason, Andi Jackson, Harper Murray, Bergen Reilly, and Lexi Rodriguez. Each of these athletes has made significant contributions to Nebraska’s success this season.


Merritt Beason, a senior opposite hitter, has been in stellar form, averaging 3.24 kills per set over her last 11 matches, while maintaining a .290 hitting percentage. Known for her consistency and power, Beason was instrumental in leading Nebraska to numerous victories, and her performance last season earned her first-team All-America honors.


Sophomore middle blocker Andi Jackson has been a revelation for the Huskers this season, currently boasting a .471 hitting percentage, which ranks her fourth in the nation and first in the Big Ten. With 2.66 kills per set, Jackson’s presence at the net has been key to Nebraska’s defense and attack.


Outside hitter Harper Murray, setter Bergen Reilly, and libero Lexi Rodriguez round out Nebraska’s representatives. Rodriguez, in her senior season, continues to be a defensive powerhouse, ranking third in Nebraska’s all-time digs list. Her leadership on the court makes her a standout candidate for this year’s Player of the Year honor.


SMU’s Success Highlighted by Cullen and Shime

The SMU Mustangs have also made waves this season, with two graduate students, Celia Cullen and Naya Shime, being added to the Watch List. Both players have been critical to SMU’s rise in the rankings this season, as the team continues to compete at a high level in the ACC.


Celia Cullen, a setter, leads the ACC in total assists with 628 this season, averaging 9.66 assists per set. Cullen’s ability to command the offense has been instrumental in SMU’s success, especially considering the team’s impressive .274 hitting percentage, which ranks in the top 25 nationally. Her leadership and precision on the court have made her one of the top setters in the country.


Naya Shime, an opposite hitter, leads the Mustangs with 212 kills, averaging 3.48 kills per set. Shime’s versatility on the court is evident, as she also ranks third on the team in blocks per set and has been a consistent presence in both offense and defense. Her standout performances have earned her ACC Defensive Player of the Week honors, solidifying her position as a key player for SMU.


Creighton’s Norah Sis Joins the Watch List

Creighton’s Norah Sis, a senior outside hitter, has been added to the Watch List alongside her teammates Ava Martin and Kendra Wait. Sis leads Creighton with 3.84 kills per set and has been a dominant force on the court all season. Her consistent play has earned her several BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week honors, making her a key player for Creighton as they compete for a top spot in the national rankings.


Sis’s addition to the Watch List marks Creighton as one of only eight programs with three or more players on the list, joining Florida State, Louisville, Nebraska, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Texas, and Wisconsin. Creighton currently ranks third in the RPI and sixth in the AVCA poll, with Sis playing a pivotal role in the team’s success.


2024 AVCA Division I Player of the Year Watch List


Here is the updated Watch List for the 2024 AVCA Division I Player of the Year, showcasing 52 of the top athletes in college volleyball:



  1. Merritt Beason – Nebraska
  2. Andi Jackson – Nebraska
  3. Harper Murray – Nebraska
  4. Bergen Reilly – Nebraska
  5. Lexi Rodriguez – Nebraska
  6. Celia Cullen – SMU
  7. Naya Shime – SMU
  8. Norah Sis – Creighton
  9. Ava Martin – Creighton
  10. Kendra Wait – Creighton
  11. Reagan Rutherford – Texas
  12. Marianna Singletary – Texas
  13. Khori Louis – Florida State
  14. Charitie Luper – Louisville
  15. Anna Smrek – Wisconsin
  16. Sarah Franklin – Wisconsin
  17. Mac Podraza – Penn State
  18. Zoe Weatherington – Utah
  19. Alexis Stucky – Florida
  20. Emily Londot – Ohio State
  21. Julia Bergmann – Georgia Tech
  22. Kendall Kipp – Stanford
  23. Katie Lukes – San Diego
  24. Claire Chaussee – Louisville
  25. Skylar Fields – Texas
  26. Kara McGhee – Baylor
  27. Kaitlyn Hord – Kentucky
  28. Logan Eggleston – Texas
  29. Anna DeBeer – Louisville
  30. Breana Edwards – Pittsburgh
  31. Kayla Lund – Pittsburgh
  32. Heather Gneiting – BYU
  33. Rylee Rader – Ohio State
  34. Mariana Brambilla – Georgia Tech
  35. Courtney Buzzerio – Pittsburgh
  36. Madi Kubik – Nebraska
  37. Lauren Stivrins – Nebraska
  38. Grace Frohling – San Diego
  39. Kayla Caffey – Texas
  40. Julia Sangiacomo – Colorado State
  41. Taylor Landfair – Minnesota
  42. Audrey Nourse – USC
  43. Skylar Williams – UCLA
  44. Kami Miner – Stanford
  45. Madisen Skinner – Kentucky
  46. Emily Hollowell – Georgia
  47. Morgan Chacon – Florida State
  48. Anna Dixon – Missouri
  49. Azhani Tealer – Kentucky
  50. Kaylee Cox – Kansas
  51. Laila Lutz – Texas A&M
  52. Alia Carter – Kansas State


This updated list showcases the top performers from programs across the nation, all vying for the prestigious AVCA Player of the Year award.


Other Notable Additions

Several other programs have seen key players added to the Watch List, including Texas’s Reagan Rutherford and Marianna Singletary, who continue to anchor Texas’s offense. Florida State’s Khori Louis and Charitie Luper of Louisville also join the growing list of standout performers who have been recognized for their stellar play this season.


The Watch List will be narrowed down in November, with finalists announced before the AVCA Convention in December. The Player of the Year will be crowned on December 20 in Louisville, Kentucky, during the convention.


What to Expect as the Season Progresses

With the updated Watch List now including 52 of the top players in the country, the race for the AVCA Division I Player of the Year is more competitive than ever. Nebraska’s dominance on the list highlights their continued excellence in college volleyball, but programs like SMU and Creighton are rising to the occasion with standout players who are making names for themselves this season.


As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these key players as they battle for individual and team success, with the ultimate prize of Player of the Year recognition on the horizon.

By Angelie Te July 31, 2026
Why Sports Video Production Matters in the World of 2026 Sports video production in 2026 covers far more than pressing record and capturing the final score. It spans live game broadcasts, tournament streaming, vertical social clips, recruiting reels, and sponsor activation content for schools, teams, leagues, and athletics organizations at every level. The job of a modern sports producer is to build year-round storylines, ensure sponsor visibility across every screen, and produce scout-ready assets that athletes and families can use for years. Consider the scale: global sports rights spending exceeded $67 billion in 2026 , and LiveU deployed 1,700 units for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to connect venues across North America. This industry momentum reaches every stage of competition, from youth travel tournaments to college showcases. Sports video production is considered challenging due to unpredictable action and lack of second takes-which is exactly why professional planning matters. The real goal of sports video production isn't just documenting what happened. It's creating content that works long after the final whistle.  East Coast Sports Live helps programs of all sizes compete with pro-level production quality without needing an in-house broadcast team. This article walks you through planning, filming, packaging, and distributing sports content designed to satisfy athletes, fans, and sponsors.
Tony Romo wearing a broadcast headset during a CBS Sports football game broadcast.
By Amber Aniston July 31, 2026
CBS placed Tony Romo on leave following his Wisconsin arrest, elevating J.J. Watt to its lead NFL broadcast team as the season approaches.
Harrison Bader in Yankees uniform during a game with a focused expression in a stadium.
By Amber Aniston July 31, 2026
Harrison Bader's season-ending scooter crash has raised questions about MLB contract rules, high-risk activities, and what comes next for the Giants outfielder.
By Amber Aniston July 31, 2026
Todd Bowles is keeping the Buccaneers focused on football despite Baker Mayfield's contract dispute and Vita Vea's trade request entering training camp.
FOOTBALL
By Amber Aniston July 31, 2026
FIFA's World Cup investment proposal has sparked opposition from major football confederations, with governance and transparency emerging as the central issues.
football player
By Amber Aniston July 30, 2026
Build a stronger 2026 fantasy football roster by understanding why drafting running backs early can create flexibility and long-term value in half-PPR leagues.
By Amber Aniston July 30, 2026
One of the most significant pieces of legislation in the history of college athletics is facing an uncertain future. The proposed Protect College Sports Act (PCSA) was designed to create a nationwide framework for regulating name, image and likeness (NIL), transfer rules, revenue sharing, and athlete eligibility. However, with the Big Ten and SEC withholding their formal support, lawmakers are running out of time to move the bipartisan bill through Congress before the Senate's August recess. The legislation has been viewed by many athletic directors and conference commissioners as the best opportunity to restore stability to an increasingly fragmented college sports landscape. But ongoing disagreements over several key provisions have placed its future in jeopardy. Why the Protect College Sports Act Matters College athletics has undergone dramatic changes over the past several years. NIL compensation, the transfer portal, athlete revenue sharing, and repeated court rulings have fundamentally altered how schools recruit, retain, and compensate student-athletes. The Protect College Sports Act was introduced to establish consistent national standards rather than leaving schools to navigate a patchwork of state laws and ongoing legal challenges. Among its major goals are: Creating uniform NIL regulations nationwide Standardizing transfer portal rules Establishing revenue-sharing guidelines Providing five years of athlete eligibility Giving conferences greater authority to enforce regulations Offering additional legal protections related to antitrust challenges Supporters believe the legislation could bring much-needed structure to college athletics after years of uncertainty. Why the Big Ten and SEC Have Not Signed Off Despite generally supporting federal legislation, the two most powerful conferences remain unwilling to endorse the current version of the bill. Conference leaders say several important issues remain unresolved, particularly language involving so-called "associated entities." These include corporate sponsors, multimedia rights partners, and outside organizations that could potentially direct additional compensation to athletes outside the proposed revenue-sharing cap. Big Ten and SEC officials argue that unless those loopholes are addressed, schools could effectively bypass spending limits, undermining the legislation's purpose.  Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork summarized the conferences' position simply: "We need a ceiling." Revenue-Sharing Cap Remains the Biggest Obstacle Much of the debate centers on how athlete compensation would be limited. Current negotiations include a structure featuring: $21.3 million base revenue-sharing cap Approximately $20–22.5 million additional retention pool Up to $5 million designated for women's athletics Conference leaders support increasing athlete compensation but insist those figures must be paired with a truly enforceable hard cap. Without stronger safeguards, administrators worry schools could continue funneling money through outside partnerships while technically remaining under the cap. Time Is Becoming the Biggest Challenge Even if negotiators reach an agreement, Congress faces a rapidly approaching deadline. The Senate is scheduled to begin its month-long recess on August 7 , leaving only a narrow window for lawmakers to advance the legislation. Senate staff members have publicly acknowledged that every passing day reduces the likelihood of securing a floor vote before lawmakers leave Washington. Conference representatives and congressional staff have continued negotiating revised language, but formal approval from the Big Ten and SEC has yet to arrive. Lawmakers Say Major Concessions Have Already Been Made Congressional leaders argue they have significantly revised the proposal in response to conference concerns. According to reports included in the source material, lawmakers agreed to numerous requested changes, including: Stronger recruiting and tampering provisions Modified revenue-sharing language Changes involving conference governance Adjustments affecting NIL oversight Additional flexibility regarding institutional NIL agreements Despite those revisions, conference officials maintain they still need to review final legal language before committing their support. Conference Leaders Say They Need More Certainty Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti has repeatedly emphasized that conference officials cannot endorse language they have not fully reviewed. Rather than rejecting the legislation outright, Petitti has described the negotiations as an effort to ensure the final bill accomplishes its intended purpose. Conference officials also continue seeking broader antitrust protections and greater certainty regarding how future enforcement would work under the proposed law. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has similarly stated in recent weeks that congressional legislation remains the preferred outcome but acknowledged the conference has discussed alternative governance models if federal action ultimately fails. Alternative Plans Already Being Discussed If Congress cannot pass the Protect College Sports Act, college athletics may move toward alternative solutions. Among the possibilities currently under discussion are: Plan B Revising the current College Sports Commission structure Negotiating updated revenue-sharing rules among the Power Four conferences Creating stronger conference-led enforcement mechanisms Plan C A self-governance model led by the major conferences Independent enforcement of recruiting, NIL, and compensation rules Greater conference autonomy outside the existing NCAA structure Neither option is considered ideal by conference leaders, who continue describing federal legislation as the preferred long-term solution. Industry Remains Divided Not every stakeholder agrees with the conferences' position. Executives representing multimedia rights companies argue that legitimate endorsement agreements should not automatically count against athlete compensation limits. Others believe an overly restrictive cap could unintentionally reduce genuine commercial opportunities for student-athletes who have built valuable personal brands. That disagreement highlights the broader challenge facing lawmakers: balancing competitive fairness with athletes' growing opportunities to profit from their name, image, and likeness. What's Next? Negotiations between congressional leaders, the White House, and conference representatives remain ongoing. According to the latest reports, lawmakers submitted what has been described as a "best and final" revised version of the legislation to the Big Ten and SEC while asking both conferences to make their decision quickly. Whether that will be enough to secure their support remains unclear. For now, the Protect College Sports Act remains alive—but time is quickly becoming its biggest opponent. If an agreement cannot be reached before Congress begins its August recess, the effort to establish national standards for college athletics could be delayed for months, leaving schools, athletes, conferences, and fans to continue navigating one of the most uncertain periods in the history of collegiate sports.
By Angelie Te July 30, 2026
This article is a practical guide to sports sponsorship activation for brands, schools, athletic programs, and event organizers working around live sports coverage. Whether you run a booster club, manage athletic marketing for a district, or represent a company looking at sponsorship opportunities, the strategies here focus on live and streamed sports events rather than generic sponsorship theory. Target readers: brand marketers, athletic directors, booster clubs, school communications teams, and event organizers planning sponsor integration around streamed or televised games.
More Posts