Irvine Valley's Annie Mitchem named 2-year national player of year
The Laser freshman 6-2 middle blocker had already been named the Orange Empire Conference MVP and an All-American. She helped IVC take third at the CCCAA State Championships.
Irvine Valley freshman women's volleyball player Annie Mitchem added to her list of achievements last month.
The 6-2 middle blocker was named the 2013 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) two-year college player of the year.
Mitchem had already been named the Most Valuable Player of the Orange Empire Conference, all-state and All-American.
She led the State in total blocks (137) and blocks per set (1.61). She was also amongst the league leaders in kills, kills per set, hitting percentage, points and points per set.
"She is as talented a young player as I have ever seen," Irvine Valley Coach Tom Pestolesi said after Mitchem was named conference MVP. "There might be kids that jump a little higher or hit a little harder, but you don't see someone that has the all-around game she has at such a young age. It is remarkable."
And Mitchem led Irvine Valley to one of the best seasons in program history.
The Lasers won the Orange Empire Conference title, made the State Championships and finished third in the state.
IVC, which was ranked as high as No. 2 in the state this season, ended with a record of 24-2 overall.
Mitchem was honored at the 2013 AVCA All-American/Players of the Year Banquet in Seattle, Wash. last month as part of the AVCA Convention.
She received her award along with the 2013 AVCA Division I, II, III and NAIA All-Americans and Players of the Year.
In addition to Mitchem, Pestolesi was honored as the AVCA Two-Year California Region Coach of the Year in Seattle at the Coaches Honors Banquet.
Pestolesi guided IVC to the fourth conference title in school history this season. He was also named the Orange Empire Conference Coach of the Year.