Photo by Paul DeCoursey Gabby Sullivan of Iowa Central celebrates a point inside Hodges Fieldhouse during the regular season.

Gabby Sullivan made history on the volleyball court for Iowa Central this past fall.

Now, she is being rewarded for her success.

Sullivan became the first Triton to earn first team All-American honors by the American Volleyball Coaches Association for two-year college programs. Alicia Moreno previously was selected to the second team by the AVCA in 2012.

Only nine NJCAA Div. II players were selected to any of the three All-American squads released by the AVCA. Sullivan and Parkland’s Faipai’pai’ Willis and Leah Anderson were the lone first-teamers.

“I’m super proud of Gabby and all of the hard work she has put into not only these past two seasons, but in her volleyball career,” ICCC head coach Sara Horn said. “Gabby is genuinely one of the nicest, most caring people and teammates you will meet.

“It’s such a great feeling as a coach when a great person becomes a great player. Gabby is a great representative for Iowa Central volleyball, as she exudes the values and characteristics we strive for in this program.”

Sullivan was also one of three ICCAC players honored by the NJCAA, earning first team All-American status along with Kirkwood’s Ady Wintermote (second) and Lauren Reick of Des Moines Area (honorable mention).

The Tritons advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament this past fall, placing 10th overall.

Sullivan is the first Iowa Central All-American since Moreno and the seventh in program history joining Jenna Maiers, Gabriella Reyes, Mattie Gray, Ali Grein and Hayli Dorfmeyer, with Moreno earning the honor twice.

“An honor like this is something I’ve always dreamed of,” Sullivan said. “Being able to accomplish it is very exciting, not only for me, but for the program.”

Sullivan led the nation in total attacks with 1,886 and placed second in kills with 682. She averaged almost 4.5 kills per set, which ranked fourth.

On the year, Sullivan accounted for 767 points, second-most in the nation, and averaged five points per set, eighth-best.

“It truly has never been about the awards, but it is very rewarding to see all the hard work and long hours that I’ve put in pay off in such amazing ways,” Sullivan said. “I will forever be proud of this team and so thankful for the opportunities Coach Horn and Iowa Central have given me.”

Sullivan also recorded 104 total blocks, 388 digs and 23 service aces on the year.

She left her name in the Triton record books for most attacks and kills in a season, along with the most attacks (106) and kills (43) in a single match.

“Attending Iowa Central, being a part of this team and playing for Coach Horn has set me up for a lot of success,” Sullivan said. “My teammates deserve more credit than I do because without them and their trust, I never could have accomplished the things I did.”

The Tritons won a regional tournament title and finished the year 32-11 overall.