McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's volleyball team held its annual banquet on December 10, 2023, where they announced the award winners for the season. Sophomore Taylor French from Romeoville, Illinois, was named the team's "Most Valuable Player." Freshman Eleanor Palmer from Chicago received the "Most Improved Player" award. The "Most Inspirational" award was shared by junior Jessie Sariev from Schaumburg and seniors Maddie Dryfhout from Orland Park and Lily Summers from Plainfield.

Taylor French emerged as a leading offensive player nationally, ranking in the top five in several categories. She secured third place in Division III for kills and points with totals of 570 and 637.5 respectively. Her average of 5.36 points per set ranked fourth nationally, while her average of 4.79 kills per set was fifth-best. Additionally, she led her team with 425 digs and recorded 48 aces during the season.

French's performance earned her a spot on the American Volleyball Coaches Association Second Team All-American for a second consecutive year. She also made it to the All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin First Team again this season. Furthermore, she was honored as CCIW Offensive Player of the Year and named CCIW Hitter of the Week six times throughout the season. Notably, she became the first player in AVCA history to be named National Player of the Week consecutively.

Eleanor Palmer showed significant improvement during her first year with IWU's Green and White team, leading with 72 total blocks—18 solo and 54 assisted—and contributing offensively with 122 kills at a .228 hitting percentage.

Despite suffering injuries before their first match that ended their seasons prematurely, Jessie Sariev and Maddie Dryfhout remained supportive figures on their team's bench alongside Lily Summers who concluded her collegiate career impressively after winning last year's "Most Inspirational" award too.

Coach Kim Nelson-Brown awarded letters to eighteen student-athletes; thirteen are expected to return next year for another campaign.