Tomic, Smith, and Washington Excel and Earn All-Region Honors
The Lady Golden Bears concluded their 2023 season with a commendable 12-16 record, marking an impressive eight-win improvement from the previous year. This notable achievement was made possible by the outstanding performances of three exceptional players, who have now been recognized by the region for their remarkable contributions.
Leading the pack is junior transfer and team captain, Vanja Tomic, whose inclusion in the all-region first team comes as no surprise. Tomic has etched her name in the school record books with an impressive 608 assists in a single season, earning her the distinction of being the region's assist leader. Averaging nearly 7 assists per set, Tomic showcased her versatility by playing out of position as a middle setter throughout the entire season. Her exceptional skills were further acknowledged with her selection to the all-tournament team at the Bob Jones Tourn. and her recognition as the student-athlete of the month for October. In addition to her playmaking abilities, Tomic contributed 88 kills and ranked second on the team with 238 digs for the season.
Joining Tomic in the spotlight is Amoni Washington, who made a seamless transition from the outside to the middle position. Washington's dominant performance earned her a well-deserved spot on the all-region second team. Finishing second in the region with 247 kills in 23 matches, Washington showcased her prowess with an impressive hitting percentage of .238. She led the Lady Bears in kills for the season and added 180 digs to solidify her place among the region's top players. Washington's exceptional sophomore season was further recognized with her selection as the student-athlete of the month for August.
Lastly, sophomore OH Sierra Smith demonstrated her resilience by making a strong comeback from an ACL injury. Smith's impressive contributions in 14 matches earned her a spot on the all-region second team. With 158 kills and 110 digs for the season, Smith provided valuable support to Tomic and Washington on the back row, showcasing her versatility and determination.
"The outstanding performances of Tomic, Smith, and Washington have not only propelled the Lady Golden Bears to historic wins, but have also earned them well-deserved recognition from the region," said coach Faulkner. "Their achievements serve as a testament to their dedication, skill, and commitment to excellence."
