Four Volleyball Stars Just Made History – You Won't Believe What They Achieved!

GREENWOOD, Ind. – In an impressive display of both athletic prowess and academic achievement, four volleyball student-athletes from the University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNC Asheville) have received Academic All-District® honors from College Sports Communicators. The announcement was made on December 16, recognizing the hard work and dedication of these exceptional athletes—Payton Rolfsen, Michelle Thao, Baylor Herlehy, and Albertine van der Goot.

To qualify for the Academic All-District distinction, student-athletes must meet stringent criteria: they need to be at least a sophomore both academically and athletically, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, and participate in at least 90 percent of their team's competitions or start in at least 66 percent. This year’s selections underscore the commitment of these athletes not just to their sport, but also to their education.

Among the honorees, Michelle Thao stands out, earning her second consecutive Academic All-District honor. A significant highlight of her season was being named the Big South Co-Libero of the Year, marking a historic moment for the program. This accolade represents the first Libero of the Year honor in UNC Asheville's history and the first major on-the-court Big South award since 2000 when Kelly Budnik received the Freshman of the Year title. Thao has previously been recognized with Scholar Athlete of the Year awards in 2023 and 2021.

During the 2025 season, Thao played in all 30 matches and 110 sets, demonstrating her athletic skill with 523 digs (averaging 4.75 per set), 26 service aces, and achieving an impressive .954 reception percentage across 585 receptions. She also reached the 1,000-career-dig milestone on October 17 and earned Big South Libero of the Week honors three times. Furthermore, her contributions helped lead the Bulldogs to their first Big South Conference Championship appearance since 2006, where she was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Payton Rolfsen contributed significantly to the team’s offensive performance, leading UNC Asheville with 565 assists, averaging 5.28 per set. She finished second on the team in service aces with 27 and amassed a total of 18 blocks during the season. Her outstanding performance in the Big South Conference Tournament did not go unnoticed, earning her a place on the All-Tournament Team.

Baylor Herlehy made a mark in 22 matches, recording 137 kills and leading the Bulldogs with 92 total blocks, showcasing her dual threat as both an attacker and defender. Meanwhile, Albertine van der Goot earned recognition on the Big South All-Academic Team and received Honorable Mention accolades. She concluded the season as the second-highest scorer on the team with 231 kills (2.12 per set) and was also second in total blocks with 87.

The recognition of these student-athletes not only highlights their individual talents but also reflects the broader commitment of UNC Asheville to foster an environment where academic success and athletic excellence can coexist. The university has a proud tradition of supporting its student-athletes, evident in the accolades received by previous recipients like Ona Elkins and Grace Volk.

As the season concludes, the achievements of Thao, Rolfsen, Herlehy, and van der Goot serve as an inspiration not only to their peers but also to future generations of student-athletes at UNC Asheville. Their efforts exemplify the balance of hard work in the classroom and on the court, a dual commitment that is increasingly vital in today’s competitive sports landscape.

With institutions like First Bank, headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, actively supporting women's athletics, the future looks bright for programs that value both academic achievements and athletic prowess. As the Bulldogs continue to build upon their recent successes, the combination of talent and dedication displayed by these four student-athletes sets a high standard for their peers and the community alike.