-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Iowa Central celebrate a victory over the Southeastern Blackhawks during the region Championship

Following a perfect run through the ICCAC, the Iowa Central volleyball team has been rewarded with several postseason honors.

Talya Sampson was named the player of the year in the region, as Sara Horn was named the coach of the year.

Sampson, Anabel Seaman and Shirley Monaghan all made the first team for the region, as Fort Dodge Senior High grad Meah McCaleb and Dena Robb were placed on the second.

“‘I’m really happy for Talya, as it was very well deserved,” Horn said. “When you go into all conference voting with a room full of coaches, you always worry that different coaches have different ideas on who the best player of the conference is. That was not the case this year. It was unanimous, as every coach voted for Talya, so I think that just goes to show how dominant of a year she had.”

Southeast Valley graduate Addi Hindt was named honorable mention.

Sampson, Seaman and Monaghan made the Region 11-A all-tournament team after leading the Tritons to a pair of sweeps and the title, punching a bid to nationals in the process.

“Anabel is probably the highest trained setter we’ve ever had. She came in with a wealth of experience and it really shows with her volleyball IQ,” Horn said. “For most teams, Shirley would be their best player. She just does everything as a six-rotation hitter and gives us such a strong 1-2 punch on the outside with Talya.”

In terms of conference stats, Sampson was first with 212 kills, as Monaghan finished with 120 in 12 matches to place her third among all players. Seaman ranked first with 438 assists and Robb tied for fifth in total blocks.

Sampson was also third in service aces in the league.

McCaleb, a freshman, had 157 digs, 21 assists and 15 aces in 12 matches in the conference while Hindt, a sophomore, recorded 32 kills, 36 total blocks and 13 digs in 11 matches played.

“Meah’s potential is scary high for her sophomore year and beyond. Her natural talent is really shining,” Horn said. “I am so happy that Addi was rewarded. She is a natural athlete who has worked hard to improve her volleyball skills over the years and has made herself one of the best middles in the conference.”