News

Ariel Scott of Penn State wins the 2013 Senior CLASS Award® for volleyball

December 19, 2013

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Penn State right side hitter, Ariel Scott has been selected as the 2013 Senior CLASS Award® winner in NCAA® Division I volleyball.

The award, chosen by a nationwide vote of Division I volleyball coaches, national volleyball media and fans, is given annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in Division I volleyball. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – classroom, community, character and competition.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

“I’m honored to have earned the Senior CLASS Award, and I’m so thankful for my teammates and coaches who have helped me perform my best on the court and in the classroom,” said Scott.

A public relations major with minors in business and liberal arts, Scott has maintained a 3.8 grade point average in her major. She is an active member of the Penn State chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and has earned Academic All-Big Ten honors while also being selected as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. Since her freshman year, Scott has volunteered regularly with the Special Olympics, working to teach participants basic volleyball skills. She also organizes outreach opportunities for Special Olympians through the Penn State women’s volleyball program.

“We are so proud to see Ariel earn this award that speaks to the way she has approached her time at Penn State,” said head coach Russ Rose. “Not only is she a leader on the court, but she’s a standout student-athlete in the classroom who is also actively involved in the community. The way she carries herself is representative of everything that embodies this award.”

Scott is a three-time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American and All-Big Ten honoree. Heading into the post-season, she ranked second on the team in kills and blocks. The Nittany Lions are the second-ranked team in the country and carry a 32-2 overall record entering tonight’s NCAA semifinal match against Washington.

“We have many outstanding candidates for the Senior CLASS Award. It’s truly incredible how well rounded volleyball players across the nation are so it takes a special student-athlete to stand out among that group,” said Erik Miner, executive director for the Senior CLASS Award. “Ariel has had a fantastic career on and off the court. She is a very deserving winner of this award.”

Volleyball 2013 Winner

First Team

Second Team