RICHMOND, Va. – Elon University volleyball's Leah Daniel has been named the CAA Player of the Year and to the All-CAA First Team and teammate Jordan Gower has been selected to the All-CAA Second Team, as announced by the league office on Friday afternoon, April 2.
 
"Leah and Jordan have played at a very high level this season and it is nice to see them get recognized for their efforts," head coach Mary Tendler said. "Jordan is so consistent in serve receive and covers a lot of space defensively. Leah is an amazing hitter, but has also proven to be a very effective back row player for us. With their work ethic, both of these players are just going to keep getting better and better."

A Zionsville, Ind. native, Daniel becomes the first Phoenix to be named conference player of the year in the program's Division I history. The junior led the league in attacks per set (12.05), kills per set (4.43) and points per set (4.76) this spring. Through 10 matches started and 40 sets played, her season totals included 190.5 points, 177 kills, a .232 hit percentage, two assists, seven service aces, 90 digs, a .917 reception percentage and 13 blocks. Daniel turned in four double-doubles this season and was named the conference Player of the Week on March 22 after leading the maroon and gold on offense in wins over UNC Greensboro and Davidson. This marks the second year in a row she has garnered All-CAA First Team honors.  

Gower also appeared in all 10 matches and led the Phoenix with 203 digs. The sophomore out of Raleigh, N.C. added 9.0 points, 42 assists, nine service aces and a .947 reception percentage to her season totals. At the end of the regular season, she ranked second in the CAA in total digs and digs per set (5.08). Gower reached double-digit digs in every match and set a new career high with 33 in the team's win over Davidson on March 20.

Spring 2021 CAA Volleyball Postseason Awards
First Team
Julia Brown, William & Mary
Nina Cajic, Towson
Leah Daniel, Elon
Kate Dedrick, William & Mary
Sophia Davis, James Madison
Nailah Jenkins, Northeastern
Logan Manusky, Charleston
Erica Staunton, Northeastern
Miette Veldman, James Madison

Second Team
Hazel Brown, Charleston
Jordan Gower, Elon
Emily Jarome, Towson
Savannah Marshall, James Madison
Kayla Martin, Northeastern
Ana Martinovic, Hofstra
Brynn Montgomery, UNCW
Lily Rogers, Delaware
Lydia Wiers, Towson

CAA Player of the Year: Leah Daniel, Elon
CAA Setter of the Year: Samantha Shupe, Northeastern
CAA Rookie of the Year: Miette Veldman, James Madison
CAA Libero of the Year: Logan Manusky, Charleston
CAA Coach of the Year: Lauren Steinbrecher, James Madison

All-Rookie Team
Defne Arliel, Northeastern
Nina Cajic, Towson
Elizabeth Helmich, James Madison
Lily Rogers, Delaware
Savannah Seemans, Delaware
Miette Veldman, James Madison