Franklin was named a finalist for Player of the Year

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin volleyball Sarah Franklin is looking to repeat as National Player of the Year as she was named a 2024 finalist for the same award, the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced Tuesday.

Outside hitter at the start of the 2024 season Sarah Franklin was on the AVCA watch list as a candidate for the National Player of the Year award. That watch list eventually expanded to 60 prospects midway through the season and was whittled down to a shortened list of semifinalists in October. After the NCAA Regional Finals, Franklin stayed and was named a finalist on a short list of four candidates. Franklin will be joined by right winger Olivia Babcock (Pittsburgh), outside attacker Brooklyn DeLeye (Kentucky) and libero Lexi Rodriguez (Nebraska).

The 6-foot-4 outside hitter started and played in every single game this season, averaging 4.46 kills per set, 2.28 digs per set and 4.96 points per set. Of 33 matches, Franklin had double-digit kills in all but two matches and had more than 20 kills in nine matches. Her 4.46 kills per set ranked second in the Big Ten and 20th^Thin the NCAA.

The AVCA National Player of the Year will be announced at Friday’s All-American Banquet in Louisville.