All of the hard work has paid off for USI senior middle blocker Danielle LaGrange. LaGrange received one of the most prestigious awards in all of NCAA sports, when she was named an AVCA All-American second team selection. LaGrange is only the third player in school history to receive the All-American award.

This year alone, LaGrange earned GLVC Player of the Week honors twice along with being named AVCA Division II National Player of the Week. By being named second-team AVCA All-America was just icing on the cake. 

LaGrange led the Screaming Eagles in kills 426, kills per set 3.87, attacking percentage .331, blocks 95, blocks per set 0.86, points 507.5, and points per set 4.61.

The All-American status has automatically sets her into a respectable category for all of USI athletes past and present. Attaining this award has been in LaGrange sights for quite some time.

“The All-American award was a goal I set for myself prior to the beginning of the season,” LaGrange said. “It was great reaching that goal and to be one of the few players to get the award, made it even better.”

Having an internship at Sports Acceleration this past summer only benefited Lagrange’s game.

“During my internship, I was able to work out each and every day, really working to improve my quickness and to reach my peak for my final season,” LaGrange said.

From all the accolades LaGrange received this season, it’s safe to say she definitely hit her peak when it counted.

“I have thought about playing professionally but am not completely sure at this point considering it could involve traveling internationally,” LaGrange said.

When she graduates, LaGrange plans on becoming a personal trainer.