Illinoisans among national award nominees

By Phil Brozynski

Prepvolleyball.com recently announced the winner of the 2007 Schelde National Player of the Year. The finalists included Sun-Times Player of the Year Kelly Murphy of Joliet Catholic.

The Florida-bound Murphy finished with 414 kills, 303 assists, 121 digs and 55 aces and shook off a badly sprained ankle to lead the Angels within one win of the Class 3A state semifinals. She was edged for Player of the Year by Missy Harpeneau of Mother of Mercy (Ohio), a 6-footer headed to Cincinnati.

Junior Emily McGee of Class 4A state champion Naperville Central was among 21 nominees for Junior of the Year, and Kelly Farrell of Class 3A champion Crystal Lake Central, Melissa Joyce of Mother McAuley, Michelle Kocher of St. Francis, Kelly Luhrsen of Wheaton Warrenville South and Megan McMahon of Naperville Central were among 50 nominees for the 2007 Andi Collins Award as the best senior setter in the country.

The winners were announced earlier this week.