NCAA | Washington’s Krista Vansant named National Player of the Week

Coach Jim McLaughlin: “It’s a really good vibe”

Krista Vansant’s latest accolade comes with a caveat: don’t get carried away.

Washington's Krista Vansant (16)
-Volleyblog Seattle photo by Leslie Hamann

Washington’s star sophomore outside hitter was named National Division 1 Player of the Week today by the American Volleyball Coaches’ Association and Sports Imports. She was the first Washington player since 2008 to earn the honor.

“It’s a good thing for our program, it’s a good thing for her,” said Washington coach Jim McLaughlin.

“The team rallies around that,” he said. “And when the team is getting excited about other people doing extraordinary things, it’s a really good vibe.”

Vansant was honored for her standout performance last week in upset victories over UCLA and USC. Against the Bruins, Vansant had 31 kills, the most of any Pac-12 player this season. She hit .448 for the match, and added 11 digs. In the sweep of the Trojans, Vansant added 12 kills and 7 digs.

Despite the award—or perhaps because of it—McLaughlin says Vansant will have to stay focused and keep improving. After her stellar offensive performance against UCLA, he reminded her that her passing was not up to expectations.

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“[Vansant] is one of those players that can be an elite, elite player …”

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“We got on her, and held her to a standard, because we think she’s one of those players that can be an elite, elite player,” McLaughlin said. “And you’ve got to hold those people to a really high standard. You can’t let them get away with anything.

“It’s human nature: if you let them walk, they’re gonna walk. And so we’ve been pushing her to run.”

Make no mistake, though, McLaughlin is happy that his undefeated #2-ranked team (tied with Oregon) has Vansant on its side of the net.

“She’s been working awful hard,” he said.

“These things are always good for a kid, because there’s more incentive. She’s chosen as the national—we didn’t choose it, some organization chose it. I think it’s well-deserved.”

2012 SPORTS IMPORTS/AVCA DIVISION I PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

August 28	Saitaua Iosia	UMES	OH	Soph.
September 4	Kelsie Wills	Hofstra	OH	Soph.
September 11	Megan Plourde	Colorado State	MB	Sr.
September 18	Kaitlynn Pelger	Kansas State	MB	Jr.
September 25	Lauren Plum	Oregon	S	Jr.
October 2	Krista Vansant	Washington	OH	Soph.

NOTES:

• Setter Jenna Hagglund was the most recent Washington player to win the national award. She earned the honor on October 14, 2008.