ST. LOUIS, MO. – University of Missouri-St. Louis senior libero Danielle Waedekin has been selected to the 2017 Academic All-America Division II Volleyball First Team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
 
She becomes the first player in volleyball program history to earn Academic All-American honors and is the sixth UMSL student-athlete to earn first team honors, including just the second female.
 
Waedekin averaged 4.87 digs per set, recording 589, which ranks second on the single season charts and was fifth in the GLVC and 47^th nationally in NCAA DII. She had 14 matches of 20 or more digs, including two of 30 or more. Waedekin was also third on the team with 28 service aces and averaged 1.03 assists per game.
 
She helped the Tritons to a 22-8 record this year, the program's most wins since 2008.
 
In two years at UMSL, Waedekin started all 60 matches and finished with 1,170 career digs, seventh most in program history.
 
Waedekin owns a 4.00 GPA in nursing.
 
To be eligible for Academic All-America consideration, student-athletes must have a cumulative 3.30 grade-point average (GPA) or higher, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at their institution, and must have completed at least one calendar year at their institution. Nominees must have participated in at least 50 percent of the team's games and be a starter or important reserve with legitimate athletic and academic credentials.
 
Sixteen of the 21 members of the 2017 Academic All-America Division II Volleyball Team have a spotless 4.00 GPA, including all seven student-athletes honored as first team selections.