Gonzalez, Strickland, and Kabala Earn All-GAC Honors
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – On the eve of the Great American Conference Volleyball Championships, the league announced its 2024 All-Conference awards and end-of-year honors. East Central University was well-represented with
Odalys Gonzalez earning a spot on the All-GAC First Team,
Emma Strickland being named to the All-GAC Second Team, and
Julia Kabala receiving All-GAC Honorable Mention recognition.
Nominations were submitted and voted on by the league's 12 head coaches.
2024 Volleyball All-GAC
Gonzalez's recognition marks back-to-back All-Conference honors, with her elevation to the First Team after earning Second Team honors last season. A key offensive leader for the Tigers, Gonzalez has tallied 355 kills, averaging 3.62 kills per set, ranking fourth in the GAC. A two-time GAC Offensive Player of the Week, she has also registered 15 double-doubles this season, showcasing her all-around versatility and leadership.
Strickland's remarkable consistency throughout her career continues, as she earns All-GAC recognition for the fourth year in a row—two First Team selections and now two Second Team nods. With 345 kills, averaging 3.25 per set (eighth in the GAC), Strickland has been essential to the Tigers' offensive success. Additionally, her defensive efforts have been outstanding, as she has amassed 373 digs and 18 double-doubles in 2024.
Kabala earned her first All-Conference honor after a standout season orchestrating the Tigers' offense. With 1,064 total assists, averaging 9.85 per set, Kabala ranks fourth in the GAC. She has also contributed defensively, recording 329 digs, while her 46 service aces are the second most in the league, adding another dimension to her all-around play.
In addition to their on-court achievements, several Tigers were honored for their academic excellence, as
Seran Eran,
Mia Little,
Ashleigh Miller,
Emma Strickland, and
Julia Kabala were named to the GAC Academic Honor Roll.
The ECU volleyball team will take on rival Southeastern Oklahoma State University tomorrow at 10 am in the first round of the GAC Volleyball Championship Quarterfinal in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
