CHICAGO, IL. – On Monday, the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) unveiled its highly anticipated postseason honor roll for the 2024 season. Among the standout athletes honored, four Tigers earned recognition for their outstanding performances throughout the season.
Leading the charge is none other than Brody McAfee, hailing from Westfield, Indiana. McAfee wasted no time etching his name in the record books, clinching the prestigious title of CCAC Freshman of the Year. His remarkable performance has earned him a spot on the conference’s First Team, a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. Boasting an impressive .271 hitting percentage, along with a staggering 327 kills under his belt, McAfee’s contributions have been nothing short of stellar. His dynamic gameplay, coupled with 115 digs, 63 assisted blocks, and 16 solo blocks, solidify his standing as a force to be reckoned with on the court. Throughout the season, McAfee’s brilliance has been recognized with three CCAC Attacker of the Week awards, further cementing his status as a rising star in collegiate volleyball.
Kahaku Marquez, the sophomore from Salt Lake, Hawaii, also earned significant recognition, garnering his first-ever First Team honor. Marquez established himself as a defensive powerhouse, boasting the conference’s second-highest blocking record at 1.92. His season statistics are a testament to his well-rounded skillset: 159 kills, 25 solo blocks, 62 assisted blocks, and a stellar hitting percentage of .431. Marquez’s defensive prowess earned him the conference’s first Defender of the Week award earlier this season, adding to his impressive resume which already included a Second Team honor from last year.
Tomas Gonzalez, the native of Bogota, Colombia, joined Marquez and McAfee on the First Team, securing his second consecutive appearance. The talented sophomore solidified his reputation as a top-notch setter, claiming the conference’s third-highest record for assists per set at an impressive 8.80. His season totals speak volumes: 801 assists, 146 digs, 42 kills, and 35 assisted blocks. Earlier this season, Gonzalez’s talent was recognized with the conference’s Setter of the Week award, building upon his well-deserved First Team honor from last year.
Rounding out the Tigers’ honorees is senior Sterling Staranchuk. Making his first appearance on the CCAC post-season honor roll, the Canadian native secured a spot on the Second Team. He dominated defensively, leading the conference with a remarkable 1.10 blocks per set average. Staranchuk’s season totals include 91 kills and 79 total blocks, solidifying his presence at the net. His defensive prowess was further highlighted by his back-to-back CCAC Blocker of the Week awards earlier in the season.
These four Tigers led ONU to an overall record of 14-11 this season.
The full list of honorees can be found HERE.
–ONU—
*Contact Anyssa Hampton, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, ahampton@olivet.edu
