North Branch, NJ - The accolades for Freshman Hannah Chiswick just keep on coming. On Wednesday, December 4th the NJCAA announced their All-American Teams and Chiswick earned a spot on the Second Team. She is the first player in the history of the Raritan Valley volleyball program to be named an All-American after an unbelievable Freshman campaign.
Chiswick, a Pittstown native and Delaware Valley High graduate, led the team with 260 kills or 2.92 per set. The high flying outside hitter finished with an incredible .362 hitting percentage on the year to go along with 55 Service Aces. Chiswick, best known for her powerful hitting constantly had the fans on their feet. When it seemed that she reached the peak of her jump, she was always able to find a second gear to elevate that much higher. As impressive as she was on offense, it was her ability to defend that was truly special. Chiswick finished the season with 186 digs or 2.09 per set. She appeared in all 27 matches, registered 7 games with 10 or more digs, tallied 10 or more kills on 16 occasions, and finished with 4 double doubles on the year.
It's impossible not to notice the intensity with which she plays, and even harder not to feel it. When the moments were the biggest that's when Hannah played her best. At the National Tournament in Rochester Minnesota she recorded a season high 23 kills against Region XIX opponent Harrisburg Area. Coach Phil Herro had this to say about the team's freshman star, "It's been a truly unbelievable experience to coach a player with such intensity, passion, and desire. Most of the time coach Kelsie and I just sit back in awe and watch the incredible things she does on the floor. Her competitive nature combined with her unparalleled athleticism have made her the most dominant player in our region. She deserves every recognition that comes her way and we just feel blessed to call her part of our family."
At the conclusion of the season Chiswick was named First Team All-Region, Garden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Region XIX Tournament MVP, and now an NJCAA All-American. Her personal success contributed to the most decorated season in the history of RVCC Volleyball. She helped the team win their third Garden State Athletic Conference Championship in a row, secured the program's first ever Region XIX Tournament Championship, and earned the team a bid to the National Tournament where she helped guide them to a top 10 finish in the country.
"The thing that makes Hannah such a special player is her commitment to her team's success," Herro went on further about Chiswick's value. "As cliche as it sounds, she's always the first one in the gym and really a coach's dream player. She's the ultimate teammate always cheering, supporting, encouraging, and helping everyone else to elevate their game. I could literally go on and on about Hannah, it's no secret how special I think she is as a person and player."
The entire RVCC athletic department would like to congratulate Hannah on such an amazing accomplishment and a wonderful season! Thank you, Hannah, for all you've done for RVCC athletics and for representing Raritan Valley in such a wonderful way!