MADISON, Wis.--The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team earned multiple All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) honors after another dominant year in the conference. Sophomore Kaitlyn Erickson was named Defensive Player of the Year and Alex Kiebel was named Newcomer of the Year for their performances on the court. Three Blugolds were selected for the All-WIAC First Team, with additional players earning All-WIAC Honorable Mention and All-Defensive Team recognition. Hanne Johnson was further honored with a spot on the WIAC All-Sportsmanship Team.

Kaitlyn Erickson was named to the All-WIAC first team, WIAC All-Defensive Team, and earned Defensive Player of the Year as one of the top defenders and liberos in the conference. The 2024 WIAC Newcomer of the Year continued to make UW-Eau Claire one of the top defensive teams in the league helping keep multiple opponents to 30 kills or less. With the highest digs per set rate in the conference (10.62) and only five reception errors, Erickson helped the Blugolds keep opposing offenses to a .169 average attack rate, ranking third in the conference. This is the first time Erickson has received the three awards and honors.

Bailey Leeke made her second appearance on the All-WIAC First after being named in 2024 and now in 2025. Leeke ranked fourth in the conference in total kills (336) and seventh overall in hitting percentage (.281). After amassing 1,00 career kills on October 17, Leeke kept her consistent play racking up two double-doubles this season, tying for the lead in team attack rate, and capturing over 12 kills in 14 matches. Leeke was also an Offensive Player of the Year finalist.

Abby Stanwood was also an Offensive Player of the Year finalist and makes her first appearance on the All-WIAC First Team. Stanwood led the team in kills during the regular season with 429 successful attacks and ranked second in the conference in kills. Stanwood's offense was complimented by her defensive play as she recorded 11 double-doubles during the regular season including two separate three-game streaks of at least ten kills and ten digs.

In addition to the First Team selections, Mya Cinnamo earned All-WIAC Honorable Mention for the second time in her career. The junior outside ranks third on the team in kills (272) and ninth overall in successful attacks in WIAC play (71).

Finally, Hanne Johnson was named to the WIAC All-Sportsmanship Team. The outside hitter demonstrated exceptional leadership and sportsmanship throughout the season, embodying the values of fair play and respect for the game.

The Blugolds host UW-La Crosse tonight, November 13 at the The Sonnentag Event Center in the WIAC Tournament Semifinals. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugolds.com or on our app, Blugold Sports, and on social media on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.