AVCA All-America Teams

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- Missouri State freshman outside hitter Lily Johnson was honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association Wednesday (Dec. 17) with a spot on the All-American Honorable Mention squad, becoming the sixth player and first freshman to reach All-America status in Missouri State's storied volleyball history.

"It's an incredible honor for me," said Johnson. "To be recognized as a freshman is like a dream come true. I owe it to my teammates and coaches for pushing me to be better every day and for ultimately helping me achieve this award."

The MVC Freshman of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection, Johnson led the MVC in total kills (495), kills per set (3.99), points per set (4.50) and aces per set (0.31), ranking among the top 70 players nationally in each of those categories. Her kill total and average established MSU freshman records, while her performances of 26 kills on Sept. 12 against Ball State and 23 kills at Kansas State on Sept. 8 represented the Nos. 1 and 3 single-match kill totals for a freshman in school history.

Johnson had at least 10 kills in 27 of Missouri State's 32 matches, including a streak of 13 in a row to close the season that serves as the longest at MSU since 1997. She also posted seven matches with at least 20 kills, the most in a season at MSU since 1998, while the last Bear to finish their career with at least seven 20-kill matches finished playing in 2006.

Additionally, the Wildwood, Mo., native had at least 17 kills in seven consecutive matches from Sept. 8-26, the longest such streak since 1997, while her 495 kills and 3.99 average ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, on MSU's single-season list.

Among all freshmen nationally, Johnson ranks third in total kills and sixth in average in 2014.

"As a staff and program, we are extremely proud of Lily," said head coach Melissa Stokes, who recently completed her 19th season at Missouri State. "She has worked hard day in and day out to accomplish this honor. The great thing is, Lily knows that this award is shared as a result of not only her efforts, but her teammates as well."

Missouri State's previous All-Americans are Carly Thomas (AVCA Honorable Mention, 2013), Kelley Michnowicz (AVCA Honorable Mention, 2010), Sabrina Apker (AVCA Honorable Mention, 2004), Linette White (AVCA Third Team, 2003) and Jennifer Seveland Box (AIAW, 1981).

The Bears finished the season 20-12 overall and 12-6 in the Missouri Valley Conference, reaching the 20-win plateau for the 15th time in the last 16 seasons.