Wayne State College volleyball recruit Courtney Van Groningen has been named the National High School Coaches Association National High School Senior Athlete of the Year for 2011.  It is the 12th year the NHSCA has honored achievers in the high school athletic community nationwide.  This year's recipients, selected in a total of 20 boys and girls sports, are from 13 different states.
            A three-sport standout from Sterling High School in Sterling, Nebraska, Van Groningen was one of Nebraska's most feared outside hitters despite standing just 5-foot-4.  She set an All-Class state record with 50 kills in a match as a sophomore, and this year, broke her own Class D-2 state record with 642 kills as she led Sterling, one of the state's smallest schools with an enrollment of 65 students, to a 30-3 record and the state title match.  Though Sterling lost that match in five sets to Lawrence-Nelson, Van Groningen racked up 30 kills, six blocks, 32 digs and three service aces.  
            Van Groningen also recorded 40 kills in the Lady Jets' semifinal win, was named captain of the D-2 All Tournament Team and was recognized as the NHSCA/GTM Sportswear Athlete of the Month for Decemeber.  She also holds the all-class state record for career digs (1,907) and the D-2 record for career kills with 1,901.  
            Van Groningen was a four-year starter at shooting guard for the Sterling basketball team, averaging 15 points per game as a senior and scoring 1,127 career points.  She also earned three gold medals at this spring's Nebraska State High School Track and Field Meet, winning the 100 and 300 meter hurdles for the second straight year in Class D along with the 100 meter dash. 

National High School Coaches Association Senior Athletes of the Year release