Former Penn State volleyball star Haleigh Washington was named the first-ever LOVB Woman of the Year Award, announced by the league on Monday. The award recognizes an athlete who demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment both on and off the court.

During her time at Penn State, Washington was key in leading the Nittany Lions to a national championship in 2014. She was a three-time First-Team All-American and named Big Ten Freshman of the Year after posting a .463 hitting percentage. By her senior season, Washington led the nation with a .503 hitting percentage and averaged 3.03 kills per set, securing the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Washington has always been active in her community, volunteering with the Special Olympics and taking part in events like the Paterno Family Fun Run. Now playing professionally in Salt Lake, she continues to show the same level of dedication to both her sport and the people around her.

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Ryan McInerney

Ryan is a third-year print journalism student from Yonkers, New York. A diehard fan of the New York Rangers (pain), Boston Red Sox, and Boston Celtics (weird combo, he knows), you can reach him at rjm7427@psu.edu.

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