Schmitt Named Preseason All-Big 12

NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma volleyball standout Joanna Schmitt has been chosen as a preseason All-Big 12 selection, the conference office announced Wednesday. The 5-10 junior outside hitter was picked by the league's head coaches and was one of 13 players voted to the squad.

As last year's team captain Schmitt nailed a team-leading 425 kills for an average of 4.01 kills per game, which ranked ninth among all Big 12 players. The Cottage Grove, Wis., native also produced 13 double-doubles on the season, led the team in service aces with 20 and ranked second on the team in digs with 285.

Schmitt's two-year total of 930 kills is the top OU career rally scoring mark (since 2001), while also being second in digs with 609.

“This is a compliment to Joanna and how hard she works,” Restrepo said. “All the coaches recognize what a great job she has done for us. I know she wants to improve this season and show that she belongs among this group.”

Schmitt is OU's first preseason all-conference honoree since 2000 and was the last Sooner to receive votes in the all-conference balloting at the conclusion of the season. Schmitt received votes in 2003 for All-Big 12 honorable mention, but wasn't named to the squad. Cathy Cook was the last Sooner to be named to the preseason all-conference team (2000) as well as the All-Big 12 team (1997).

Other All-Big 12 honorees included Sarah Pavan of Nebraska selected as the Preseason Player of the Year and Jennifer Todd of Texas picked as Preseason Newcomer of the Year, while Jordan Larson of Nebraska was named the Preseason Freshman of the Year.

The Sooners report to camp Monday, Aug. 8 in order to prepare for their first match of the season against TCU on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. in Fort Worth, Texas. OU is hoping to build momentum off of last season when it produced the best start in school history (8-0) and its best record (12-17) since 1997.

Preseason All-Big 12 Team
Desiree Guilliard-Young, Baylor (MB, 6-5, Jr.)
Allie Griffin, Colorado (RS, 6-0, Sr.)
Ashley Nu'u, Colorado (S, 5-10, Jr.)
Josi Lima, Kansas (MB, 6-0, Sr.)
Lindsey Hunter, Missouri (S, 5-10, Sr.)
Jessica Vander Kooi, Missouri (OH, 6-2, Jr.)
Melissa Elmer, Nebraska (MB, 6-2, Sr.)
Sarah Pavan, Nebraska (OH, 6-5, So.)
Jennifer Saleaumua, Nebraska (OH, 5-11, Sr.)
Joanna Schmitt, Oklahoma (OH, 5-10, Jr.)
Brandy Magee, Texas (MB, 6-2, Jr.)
Michelle Moriarty, Texas (S, 5-10, So.)
Larua Jones, Texas A&M (OH, 6-2, Sr.)

Preseason Player of the Year:
Sarah Pavan, Nebraska (OH, 6-5, So.)

Preseason Newcomer of the Year:
Jennifer Todd, Texas (MB, 6-2, Jr.)

Preseason Freshman of the Year:
Jordan Larson, Nebraska (OH, 6-2, Fr.)

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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