CALIFORNIA (Nov. 23) – California University of Pennsylvania senior setter
Renata da Silva (Sao Paulo, Brazil/Colegio Ateneu) earned
ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Second-Team honors on Tuesday, announced the College Sports Information Directors of America.
da Silva is the first volleyball player in school history to be selected an Academic All-American. She also is the 13th different student-athlete in Cal U history to receive Academic All-America laurels.
This season, the 5-8 senior leads the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and ranks 12th in NCAA Division II with 11.39 assists per set. She also averages 2.19 digs per set while totaling 52 blocks (eight solo) and 20 services aces this year. The two-time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American has registered nine assist/dig double-doubles in 2009, including a 48-assist, 10-dig performance in the NCAA Atlantic Regional Championship on Saturday.
One of the most decorated athletes in program history, da Silva has shattered the Cal U all-time record with 5,451 career assists. She also ranks fifth in school history with 1,056 career digs, eighth with 126 service aces and second with 493 games played. da Silva was the PSAC Tournament MVP in both 2008 and 2009 and has helped lead the Vulcans to three-straight PSAC and NCAA Atlantic Regional titles.
In the classroom, da Silva holds a 3.75-grade point average (GPA) while pursuing a degree in international studies. A four-time All-PSAC West selection, she is a two-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete and has been featured on the Cal U AD Honor Roll several times throughout her career.
da Silva was the lone representative from the 14-team PSAC on the three CoSIDA Academic All-America teams.
To qualify for the Academic All-America honors, student-athletes must have been voted a first-team all-district performer by CoSIDA members. Players must maintain a cumulative 3.20 GPA or higher, reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at their institution and participated in at least 50 percent of the team’s games as a starter or important reserve with legitimate athletic credentials.