LouisvilleCatholicSports.com

Assumption senior is 13th Rocket to receive recognition

Assumption High School senior Katie George was officially named the 2011 Gatorade Kentucky Volleyball Player of the Year on Wednesday, an honor that was alluded to back on Oct. 31 when the Rockets celebrated a state championship with a school-wide ceremony.

George is the 13th member of the Assumption program to earn this recognition. The Rockets' Jeni Houser, who was a collegiate volleyball freshman for the University of Notre Dame this season, won the award for AHS in 2010.

ESPNHS (formerly ESPN Rise) managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal characer.

Gatorade established the high school award nationwide in 1985.

George, who will play for the University of Louisville next season, led the Rockets to a 43-1 record, Assumption's 16th all-time championship and a No. 3 national ranking in the ESPNHS Fab 50 this past season.

She recorded 683 assists, 197 digs, 114 kills and 75 service aces, and was selected as a 2011-12 Under Armour Second Team All-American. George was also voted Miss Kentucky Volleyball and was named MVP of the Durango Fall Classic.

“Katie George is a leader on and off the court and a true competitor,” said Kirstin Olsen of ESPNHS Volleyball. “She passes and hits some rotations, and sets in other rotations. She is the core of her team and can contribute in every way.”

This honor also makes George eligible for the Gatorade National Player of the Year. Below are the past winners of the Gatorade Kentucky Volleyball Player of the year that played for Assumption:

• Tiffany Whitlock, 1996-97
• Sarah Pomeroy, 1997-98
• Tiffany Whitlock, 1998-99
• Shelly O'Bryan, 1999-2000
• Amanda Cecil, 2000-01
• Julie Purcell, 2001-02
• Julie Purcell, 2002-03
• Christina Kaelin, 2004-05
• Christina Kaelin, 2005-06
• Kaitlin Craven, 2006-07
• Kaitlynn James, 2007-08
• Jeni Houser, 2010-11
• Katie George, 2011-12