Indiana University Athletics
Three Hoosiers Earn Big Ten Recognition
11/30/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 30, 2009
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Junior middle blocker Ashley Benson was named to the All-Big Ten team, announced on the Big Ten Network's Women's Show. Jordan Haverly was also recognized by the conference, placed on the All-Freshman squad. Both selections were unanimous choices. Also, Mary Chaudoin earned the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
"Obviously, I'm very proud of both Ashley and Jordan for being unanimous selections for All-Big Ten," said Head Coach Sherry Dunbar, who has had at least one player earn all-conference laurels in each of her three seasons at IU.
Official Big Ten Release and Complete All-Big Ten Teams 
Benson was one of eight players to be voted to the all-conference team unanimously. She put together one of the most dominant seasons in the league both offensively and defensively. In addition to shattering the IU record for season hitting efficiency with her .361 efficiency, Benson can also be found all over the Big Ten's statistical leaders.
That .361 attack percentage slotted her fourth in the conference and 29th nationally. The Bloomington, Ind., native also cracked the top-10 in kills, blocks, points and service aces:
6th with 1.18 blocks per set (49th nationally)
7th with 4.24 points per set
8th with 3.32 kills per set
9th with 0.26 aces per set
"Ashley's selection is well deserved as she's worked hard throughout the last three years to become stronger in the weight room and a dominating player on the court," said Dunbar. "Her focus has always been on making Indiana better, which in turn has made her better. The future is very bright for Ash in volleyball with many opportunities that will bring attention not only to her, but also to the Indiana volleyball program."
This marks Benson's second consecutive All-Big Ten recognition after making the team a year ago as well.
"It feels good to be recognized by the other coaches in the conference," said Benson. "Wow, I'm shocked to hear it's unanimous. There are a ton of good players in the Big Ten, the competition is intense."
Haverly began her Hoosier career with a bang to say the least. The Cherry Valley, Ill., native was immediately inserted into the starting line-up as a six-rotation player and very rarely ever exited the court.
Her 446 kills in her debut season demolished the previous school record for kills by a freshman. Erica Short, a 2008 Honorable Mention All-American, was the prior record holder with 398 put-aways in 2005.
Haverly was one of two frosh to be picked by all 11 head coaches. She was an offensive threat every time she stepped on the court, evidenced by her 3.35 kills/set and 3.79 points/set. Those numbers are ranked seventh and 10th, respectively, in the Big Ten. She also flashed her versatility by posting a team-high 11 double-doubles on the season by recording double-digit totals in both kills and digs.
"Jordy had a great freshman year and ended the season with a fantastic weekend at Wisconsin and Iowa," said Dunbar. "It's very nice to see a freshman still playing that well at the end of a long year."
"She was a six-rotation starter for us this season and handled it with maturity and gained invaluable experience that will help us in the future."
Haverly took home three Big Ten Freshman of the Week laurels this season.
"It's an honor to be named to the All-Freshman team," said Haverly. "I hope it's just a start to my career and I can continue to help this program get better."
In addition, Mary Chaudoin was one of 11 conference players honored with the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. This award is given to student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.
Speaking of Mary, the final episode of her weekly video blog "Here's Something From Mary" will be posted online Tuesday afternoon.
