SHERMAN, Texas – In a standout season for the University of St. Thomas (UST) volleyball team, several players earned recognition in the 2024 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) All-Conference awards. Senior Kara Spice and junior Audrey Cataline were named to the Second Team All-SCAC, while sophomore Alexis Bodunrin earned Honorable Mention honors.

For senior libero Kara Spice, the honor caps an incredible collegiate career. Known for her unmatched defensive instincts and unwavering consistency, Spice emerged as one of the SCAC's elite players. The Texas native led the Celts' backcourt with precision and poise, finishing the season with an impressive 664 digs, placing her second in the conference for the 2024-25 season. Spice also surpassed 1,500 career digs at UST, now totaling 1,756. With an average of 4.58 digs per set, she consistently anchored the defense, ensuring her place as one of the most formidable liberos in the conference. This honor follows her 2023 SCAC Backrow Player of the Year award, a testament to her dedication and skill. Kara's award is well-deserved," said Head Coach Keanne Burt. "She's been an anchor for our defense for the past three years. Her consistency and control in serve-receive have allowed our offense to run effectively. She works hard and is a great leader. We will miss her presence on the court."

Junior outside hitter Audrey Cataline delivered an equally impressive campaign, dominating offensively for the Celts. A force at the net, Audrey showcased her versatility with 980 career kills, including 349 kills in the 2024-25 season alone, ranking her third in the conference for the season. Cataline's ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments made her one of the conference's most reliable hitters, providing St. Thomas with a powerful offensive weapon. Her relentless play has earned her recognition as a key leader on the team. In addition, Cataline surpassed 1,000 career digs, with her current total standing at 1,097—a remarkable achievement for a player known for her all-around skill. Audrey was our team lead scorer this season, playing six rotations," Burt noted. "She added an attack from the back row and over 400 digs. She's been a force in the SCAC."

Sophomore Alexis Bodunrin, named an Honorable Mention, further showcased her potential as a key player for the Celts. Bodunrin has been a dominant presence on offense and defense as an outside hitter. She ranks 5th in the SCAC for kills, with a total of 334, and maintains a solid .194 hitting percentage. Bodunrin has also contributed 463 digs (1.28 digs per set), 17 service aces, and 18 blocks. Her all-around play has made a significant impact on the team's performance, and this recognition highlights her growing

role as a leader for UST. " Burt praised her growth, saying, "We moved Alexis over to the outside this past spring, and she came into her own this fall. Balancing our attack and getting some reps out of the back row, she and Audrey stayed at the top of the SCAC leaderboard

Earning All-SCAC honors is no small feat, as it places these athletes among the elite players in a competitive conference. Their contributions were vital in driving the Celts to new heights, including their historic appearance in the SCAC Tournament semifinals—marking the first time in program history the team advanced that far.