FLUSHING, N.Y. – The CUNY Athletic Conference and Pepsi, the official soft drink of the conference, are excited to announce the All-Star Teams for the 2021 women's volleyball season.
After capturing its first regular season championship in program history, it's to no surprise that Brooklyn took two of the three major awards. Bulldogs' first-year
Aleah Rafat was voted CUNYAC Rookie of the Year, while head coach
Mateusz Gotowicki was selected CUNYAC Coach of the Year. In addition, Baruch's
Sarah Chung was voted CUNYAC Player of the Year.
Player of the Year – Sarah Chung, Fr., OH, Baruch
Chung, sister of former Baruch standout Stella Chung, was voted the league's top player after just one season of competition. A three-time CUNYAC Rookie of the Week, the freshman was sensational for the Bearcats, leading the team in points (290) and kills (245) while tied for second in total blocks (10) and ranking third in service aces (39). An all-around performer, the outside hitter recorded the second-most digs on the team (279).
"I am very honored to receive this award," said Chung. "It was a great season and I could not have done it without the support of my coach and teammates."
Rookie of the Year – Aleah Rafat, Fr., OH, Brooklyn
Rafat was a standout performer for the Bulldogs in 2021 and among the conference leaders in several statistical categories. A five-time CUNYAC Rookie of the Week, Rafat led the league in points (339.5) and kills (286) while ranking third in hitting percentage (.206) and fourth in digs (276). The rookie also ranked among the top five in service aces (43). Rafat also produced 15 total blocks, good for second-most on the team.
"To receive this award is an honor, privilege, and testament to not only my hard work, but also the efforts of my teammates and coaches," said Rafat. "I could not have done it without the constant support of my loved ones and newfound family at Brooklyn College. Alongside a determined team that is dedicated to playing for each other, I am looking forward to all of the opportunities that may come with the rest of the season and in the seasons to come."
Coach of the Year: Mateusz Gotowicki, Brooklyn
Gotowicki, now in his fifth season with the program, earns his second CUNYAC Coach of the Year citation after guiding Brooklyn to its first-ever CUNYAC Regular Season Championship. The Bulldogs went 14-12 overall record with a 5-1 record against league opposition.
"I am very grateful and thankful to receive this award," said Gotowicki. "The team has been working extremely hard this season, it has been extremely hard for everyone during the pandemic and I am very happy to be the coach of this team. It is a pleasure coaching them and coaching for Brooklyn College."
2021 CUNYAC/Pepsi Women's Volleyball All-Star Teams
First Team:
Ashley Fung, Brooklyn
Ezri Shor, Brooklyn
Mariam Ouattara, Hunter
Justine Smith, Hunter
Julia Perkowski, Baruch
Ada Cao, Baruch
Second Team:
Faith Harer, John Jay
Amina Muminovic, Baruch
Alexa Sayson, Hunter
Sydney Gdanski, Brooklyn
Minami Ebihara, Baruch
Meghan Smith, John Jay
*Erin Hyman, Hunter
Player of the Year: Sarah Chung, Baruch
Rookie of the Year: Aleah Rafat, Brooklyn
Coach of the Year: Mateusz Gotowicki, Brooklyn
*Libero of the Year: Erin Hyman, Hunter
Sportsmanship Award: Viviana Alatorre, CCNY
Sportsmanship Team: Young Gi Go (Baruch), Alanis Guinada (Brooklyn), Pearl Mensah (Hunter), Kristin Gretener (John Jay), Kiara Gonzalez (York)