Published: December 02, 2007 12:55 am         

Sloan captures NAIA scholar-athlete honor

Honors keep rolling in for Mountain State University volleyball standout Jennifer Sloan.

The Cougars’ senior libero was named Friday as one of 272 Daktronics-NAIA Volleyball Scholar-Athletes.

“Jennifer has maintained a 3.81 grade-point average over her career,” said coach Tim Berry, who nominated her for the award. “She’s the only MSU athlete to have that, and one of three players from the (Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference).”

Student-athletes must maintain a minimum 3.5 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved junior academic status to qualify for the award.

Berry noted Sloan plays both volleyball and softball, and carries between 15 and 21 hours each semester.

“The No. 1 thing for Jen is her time management,” he said. “She’s constantly studying on the bus or going to her motel room to do homework. Her instructors are all very pleased with her.”

Sloan had quite a senior season for the Cougars, who compiled a 30-15 record and won the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament championship.

She was named 2007 Player of the Year in volleyball by the KIAC, and was NAIA Player of the Week twice.

Additionally, the 5-foot-4 Woodrow Wilson graduate was NAIA Region 12 Libero of the Year and a member of the all-region first team.

“Jen has been the heart and soul of our team,” Berry said. “With her in the back row, our front row played with confidence.

“They knew if they missed an attack she would be there to dig the ball up.”

Sloan will graduate in May. She plans to become a diagnostic medical stenographer.

“Jennifer is a role model,” Berry said. “We’ve retired her number.

“No one will wear No. 16 again.”

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