2017 All-PacWest Volleyball Team

IRVINE, Calif. – Successfully stepping into a leadership role for Academy of Art University volleyball as a senior this year, outside hitter Bailey Soolsma was awarded All-Pacific West Conference Team Honorable Mention in a Wednesday announcement.

"Bailey was a big asset to us this year after transitioning from the right side to the outside hitting position," said head coach Ray Batalon. "She worked her tail off this past summer to become the all-around player she has always wanted to be. We were pleasantly surprised at her improvement when she came to fall camp. This honor goes to validate her work ethic and serve as a role model for others in our program."

This year, the PacWest's head coaches selected First, Second, Third Teams, as well as Honorable Mention, and a Player, Setter, Libero, Freshman, Newcomer, and Coach of the Year.

Soolsma put up career-highs in numerous statistical categories in 2017, ranking seventh in the PacWest in kills per set (3.23) in addition to her 24 service aces and a 2.72 digs per set average. Highlights from Soolsma's breakout senior campaign were a career-high 23 kills against both SF State on Sept. 9 and Fresno Pacific on Sept. 29. The Maple Ridge, British Colombia native would add another new career-high with 24 digs in a matchup with Notre Dame de Namur on Nov. 7. She had nine double-doubles and was one of two Urban Knights to play in all 27 matches.

Finishing fourth in program history, Soolsma amassed 659 kills in her four-year career. She also ended among the ART U top 10 in career blocks with 173. In addition to her success on the court, the Communications & Media Technologies major has secured three Academic All-PacWest Team honors thus far.

This is Soolsma's first career All-PacWest Team selection.