—Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Amaya Finley of Iowa Central goes up for a spike against RedTail. Finley was named ICCAC player of the year. Kealey Anderson was named freshman of the year and Sara Horn was coach of the year.

For the first time in program history, the Iowa Central volleyball team placed two players on the NJCAA Div. II All-America teams.

Sophomore Amaya Finley was named to the first team with freshman Kealey Anderson earning a spot on the second

The honors made it six consecutive seasons that the Tritons have had an All-American.

“It is a great feeling knowing that the Iowa Central program has earned the respect nationally that it takes to earn these awards,” ICCC head coach Sara Horn said. “The players that have played for this program, not just in the last few years but in the history of the program, have little by little propelled us into one of the best programs in NJCAA Div. II.

“We hope to use this as motivation to continue forging ahead to accomplish even more of our goals.”

Finley, who was named the ICCAC player of the year earlier this season, became the program leader in kills, finishing with 1,116 for her career. She had 585 this past season with 60 total blocks and 541 digs.

“This leaves me speechless,” Finley said. “I sacrifice a lot and had struggles along the way. I feel like all my hard work paid off and love for the game showed. I feel honored to be awarded this.”

Anderson had 556 kills on the season to go along with 522 digs and 59 total blocks.

“This means a lot,” Anderson said. “Ever since I was a little kid playing in college was my dream and to be an All-American is an even bigger dream. It is very rewarding and I couldn’t be more thankful for receiving this.

“I couldn’t have done it without my team by my side. They deserve most of the credit.”

Finley and Anderson join previous All-American players Abby Lohrmann, Gabby Sullivan, Hayli Dorfmeyer, Ali Grein, Mattie Gray, Alicia Moreno and Jenna Maiers for the Tritons. Sullivan and Moreno each earned first team status.

“Amaya and Kealey were quite the 1-2 punch this season,” Horn said. “We didn’t face many, if any, teams that had two players of their quality at the same position. They deserve all the credit for their hard work and efficiency.”