The Valparaiso University volleyball team had a pair of players honored as the Horizon League announced its volleyball Academic All-League recipients on Friday, as senior Rachel Bruinsma (New Era, Mich./Western Michigan Christian) and sophomore Katherine Carlson (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep) earned the award for their performance on the court and in the classroom.

The Horizon League recognizes student-athletes with Academic All-League Teams in each of its 19 championship sports. To be eligible for Academic All-Horizon League consideration, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade-point-average of 3.20 or higher (based on a 4.00 scale) and have completed at least one year at the member institution, having earned 24 semester-hour or 36 quarter-hour credits.

Bruinsma and Carlson are the sixth and seventh Valpo student-athletes to earn Academic All-League recognition this fall, joining a pair of women’s soccer players and one student-athlete apiece from men’s cross country, women’s cross country and men’s soccer.

Rachel Bruinsma (Sr.) – Is currently tied for team-high honors with 94 blocks on the season. Ranks second on the team in blocks/set and in service aces. Has tallied five or more blocks on seven occasions, including a career-best nine blocks earlier this season against Milwaukee. Owns a 3.754 cumulative GPA as a biology major and has been a member of the Horizon League Academic Honor Roll each semester eligible.

Katherine Carlson (So.) – Ranks second on team in both total kills (336) and digs (298). Also leads the Crusaders with 37 service aces, ranking seventh in the Horizon League in aces/set. Has registered 10 double-doubles on the season, including a pair of triple-doubles in the last three weeks. Set new career highs in a triple-double performance against Wright State with 22 kills and 28 digs. Owns a 3.867 cumulative GPA as a business management major.