PacWest Release

Phoenix, AZ -- The young core of the Academy of Art University volleyball team grew a lot over the course of the 2013 campaign, and at the end of the year a pair of underclassmen were rewarded for their work after both Rachael Smith and Melissa Brum set a slew of program records in the process. Smith, who was an All-PacWest Honorable Mention in 2012, was named to the All-PacWest Third Team here in 2013. In her breakout freshman campaign, Brum was named as an All-PacWest Honorable Mention for her efforts. The awards were announce by the Pacific West Conference offices on Wednesday morning.

"Rachael and Melissa are well-deserving of these awards," head coach Ed Jackson said. "They both put forth a great amount of effort in practice and competition this season."

Smith totaled her first 1000-assist season behind a program best 10.63 assists per set, the first time an ART U setter averaged in double digits in per-set average. She also put up a program-record 63 assists on October 3 in a win over Hawaii Pacific. Smith had nine matches with 50+ assists, while also totaling 72 kills on a .320 hitting percentage. She now ranks second all-time in total assists with 2052, and also has 46 service aces, good for eighth all-time.

"Rachael is closing the gap and blossoming into one of the premiere setters in our conference," Coach Jackson said. "She finished third in assists per set in conference play this season which was an improvement from her freshman campaign and she was one of our team captains, selected by her teammates, as a sophomore. Asking to watch extra video outside of practice, she has shown to be a fully committed athlete with a strong work ethic. One of our most accountable players, Rachael has many of the qualities an athlete needs to be one of the PacWest's best. With another off-season training segment on the horizon, I know Rachael will continue to get stronger and continue to improve."

Brum broke onto the scene in a big way, playing all the way around for the Urban Knights for pretty much the entire season. Her 304 kills ranked second on the team while her 2.90 kills per set was 16th in the conference. That mark of 304 kills was part of a freshman tandem with Emily Papale that produced the first season with two players with 300+ kills in one season for Academy of Art. Brum put up a career-high and season-high 24 kills on an outstanding .455 hitting percentage against Notre Dame de Namur in the home finale.

"Melissa did a great job this season," Coach Jackson said. "Transitioning to college is very difficult for a freshman, especially for one that is asked to be heavily involved in the team's performance. Mel handled the pressure very well and she finished the season ranked in multiple categories showing an ability to perform in different situations. I look forward to working with her this coming off-season and look forward to even better performances next season."

For the Urban Knights, they'll have both award-winners returning for the 2014 season ready to move forward with their careers. 

Check out the PacWest release here.