BYU senior Sander named AVCA National Player of the Year

BYU outside attacker Taylor Sander picked up one of the two things he had missing during his standout college career.

The AVCA announced Thursday night that Sander for the first time in his career was selected as the AVCA National Player of the Year.

Sander earlier this month was named the MPSF Player of the Year after finishing in the nation’s top five with a 4.55 kills per game average and a 0.49 aces per game. The senior in search of his first NCAA championship also set the BYU rally scoring era record for kills and helped the Cougars win the MPSF championship and reach the NCAA Tournament.

Along with his offensive performance, Sander beame the 11th player in college men’s volleyball history to be selected as a four-time AVCA All-American.

This is the second time that a BYU player has been named the AVCA National Player of the Year. Sander joins Carlos Moreno who won the award in 2004.

The presentation of the National Player of the Year was made at the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship Banquet in Chicago. The banquet was held in conjunction with the NCAA Tournament at Loyola.