April 13, 2006

CHAPEL HILL --- The University of North Carolina volleyball team celebrated its 2005 Atlantic Coast Conference Championship season Sunday with the annual awards banquet at the Pope Box in Kenan Stadium. Guests were treated to several emotional speeches from departing seniors Dani Nyenhuis, McKenzie Byrd, Camilla Ihenetu and Taylor Rayfield, as well as comments from the freshman class on their first year in Chapel Hill. In addition, the Tar Heels received their ACC championship rings and plaques.

Nyenhuis, the 2005 ACC Player of the Year, was named the team's most valuable player. The AVCA Honorable Mention All-America performer was also awarded the Sharon D. German Memorial Award for the team's most outstanding offensive player. German was Carolina's first ACC Player of the Year and one of the most prolific offensive players in league history. The coaching staff selects the recipient of this award in her memory.

Rayfield was given the Oakes Award for Excellence. The Oakes Award is named after Carol and J. Hawley Oakes, and is given to the player who sets the standard for the team's performance with her competitive drive.

Byrd received the Kindy Memorial Award, an award selected by the coaches to honor Jean E. Kindy, one of the first supporters of Carolina volleyball. It was the second consecutive year in which Byrd garnered the award.

Ihenetu was given the John Lotz Memorial Award. The Lotz Award is given to the team member that is most active in the community, and is named after John C. Lotz who directed the UNC community outreach programs from 1998-2000.

Sophomore Christie Clark was named the team's most improved player, while Lauren Prussing and Brianna Eskola shared Rookie of the Year honors.