The University of Mississippi Athletics
Kieckhaefer, Thomas Earn All-SEC Honors
12/1/2008 | Volleyball
Kieckhaefer was named an All-SEC Second Team selection for the second straight season, while Thomas was named to the All-Freshman team.
“Rachel is very deserving of this award, being the heart and soul of our team the last three seasons and leading us to the highest point in our program’s history,” said Ole Miss head coach Joe Getzin. “
Kieckhaefer was third in the SEC in assists for conference matches only and closed out the season on a strong note as she turned in a triple-double against the Razorbacks on Saturday posting 45 assists, a season-high 21 digs and a career-high 10 blocks. It was her fifth triple-double of her career and helped the Rebels secure at least a .500 record in the SEC for the third straight season. The 10 wins is second in a single season since the conference started tracking the sport in 1984, second only to last year’s 14-win performance and tying the 2006 mark.
This season, Kieckhaefer also became only the third setter in school history to break the 3,000 mark for assists as she finished her career with 3,801 assists third all-time at Ole Miss. She also finished her career with 992 digs, eight shy of the 1,000 mark.
Kieckhaefer was also named an All-SEC second team selection last season as a junior. The Rebels have had a player selected to the Second Team for three straight seasons as outside hitter Jaclyn Toohey was honored with selection as a senior in the 2006 season.
Thomas came on strong for the Rebels this season and led the team in hitting percentage as she hit at a .303 clip in Southeastern Conference play and hit .320 for the year. She was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week twice during the season and was an explosive force for the Rebels.
Arguably her best performance came against
Last season, outside hitter Jackie Jones was selected to the All-Freshman team, becoming the first player in Ole Miss history to earn a spot on the squad.
