The Big Ten released its all-conference team Tuesday, with five Nittany Lions and coach Russ Rose receiving recognition.

Senior outside hitter Simone Lee earned Big Ten player of the year honors, while classmate Haleigh Washington took home defensive player of the year laurels. Kendall White joined them as an All-Big Ten selection and Heidi Thelen garnered honorable mention.

Simone Lee & Haleigh Washington earn Unanimous All-Big Ten honors, while Kendall White was named All-Big Ten as the lone libero! Heidi Thelen was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention!

Congrats!! #WeAre pic.twitter.com/1TekTWQSkM

— Penn State Women’s Volleyball (@PennStateVBALL) November 28, 2017

Senior defensive specialist Lainy Pierce followed in her sister Kendall’s footsteps by representing the team as Penn State’s sportsmanship award winner.

Congratulations to Nittany Lion Lainy Pierce, recognized as a @B1GVolleyball Sportsmanship Award Honoree! #WeAre pic.twitter.com/Z2nFy9zk0k

— Penn State Women’s Volleyball (@PennStateVBALL) November 28, 2017

Rose was named the conference’s coach of the year according to the media, while the coaches picked Nebraska’s John Cook. Both Lee and Washington were unanimous selections and are in excellent position to repeat as AVCA All-Americans.

After landing on the all-freshman team last year, sophomore Kendall White found herself as the lone libero selected to the All-Big Ten squad. Heidi Thelen also put together a fantastic senior season playing right side for the Nittany Lions, who open the NCAA tournament Friday at 7:30 p.m. against Howard in Rec Hall.

About the Author

Ethan Kasales

Ethan’s a senior journalism major who grew up in Lemont, a few minutes from campus. When he’s not covering Penn State sports, you can usually find him golfing or teaching snowboarding at Tussey Mountain. Feel free to email him at ethan@onwardstate.com.

How Centre County Voted In The 2026 Midterm Elections

Centre County saw a 55.32% voter turnout rate in the general election.

Man Accused of Stealing Vehicle From State College Hotel & Driving Drunk

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 12.

‘Blood In The Water’: Penn State Football Cornerback Audavion Collins & Secondary Elevating Surrounding Units

“He does a good job of making everyone else around him better because he’s the hardest-working guy on the field at all times.”