Dec. 16, 2009

DeKALB, Ill. - 2010 Northern Illinois volleyball signee Lauren Wicinski was recently recognized for her outstanding achievements this season at Geneva High School in Geneva, Ill., as she was named to the 2009-10 Under Armour High School Second-Team All-America by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and garnered the Aurora Beacon-News' Player of the Year honor.

Wicinski, who is following in the footsteps of her parents -- mother Gina (Graf) played volleyball at NIU from 1983-87 and father Rob played football at NIU from 1981-85, was one of 100 top players to be named to the fourth annual AVCA Under Armour All-America Team. She is also one of three on the list that committed to an Illinois school and one of five to choose a Mid-American Conference program.

"It's a great honor for Lauren," said NIU head coach Ray Gooden. "We think it's great to have a future Huskie recognized among the thousands of girls that play high school volleyball as one of the top 100 players in the country."

In addition to her two newest awards from this past season, the 6-1 outside hitter was nominated for the 2009 Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year, earned a first team all-state honor by the Chicago Sun-Times, and was a first team all-conference and all-area performer. Her 2009 totals were phenomenal with 356 kills, a .691 attack percentage, 63 aces and 37 blocks in 38 matches, as she led the Vikings to Western Sun Conference and Regional championships with a 35-3, 14-0 league record.

Along with fellow 2010 signees Sarah Angelos (Waukegan, Ill./Waukegan), Tori Halbur (Omaha, Neb./Millard West) and Kayla Zeno (Lake Elmo, Minn./Stillwater Area), Wicinski will join the nine returning Huskies for the 2010 season.

-NIU-