Chico State volleyball player Alex Shurtz was named All-California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) last week, and the honor was just the latest in a long list of accolades in a career that has seen the talented outside hitter establish herself as one of the greatest performers in the program's history. The All-CCAA award is not the only mark of distinction Shurtz is receiving at the conclusion of her four-year career – she's fittingly being recognized as Wildcat of the Week.Â
All told, Shurtz has racked up eight postseason honors as a member of the 'Cats. Prior to last week's All-CCAA Second Team selection, she was named to the All-CCAA Second Team while also winning CCAA and West Region Freshman of the Year awards in 2010. As a junior, Shurtz led the conference in kills and kills per set and ranked in the top 10 nationally in both statistical categories, resulting in First Team All-CCAA honors, All-West Region recognition by both the American Volleyball Coaches Association and Daktronics, and an All-America Honorable Mention. Â
Shurtz concluded her Wildcat career ranked second in the program's history in kills (1,429) and attack attempts (3,875), third in solo blocks (78) and sixth in kills per set (3.57). Shurtz was on the court for 400 sets in her Chico State career – only four Wildcats have appeared in more.
Chico State Head Coach Cody Hein summed up Shurtz's success with predictably high praise. "We had huge expectations for Alex, and to exceed them offensively and become such a prominent name in the record books has been a joy to watch," Hein said. "Her impact on this program has been every bit as pronounced as one of her thunderous kills."
