Bowling Green State University Athletics
Allison Kearney Begins Volleyball Career A Semester Early
February 27, 2009 | Volleyball
Feb. 27, 2009
Bowling Green, Ohio - The Bowling Green volleyball team has added a new member to the squad as Wooster, Ohio native Allison Kearney, a 5-foot-8 setter, has begun her college career a semester early. Kearney is the first member of the incoming class of 2009 to join the squad in the gym and may be the first volleyball player in the history of the Mid-American Conference to start a semester early.
"Allison is an exceptional setter," Denise Van De Walle, who is in her 26th season as head coach at Bowling Green, said. "She has all the leadership qualities that setters need. She's self-motivated, works hard, and plays to win every time she takes the floor."
Kearney took summer school courses to enable her to graduate early from high school and started classes at BGSU in January. Instead of enjoying the life of a senior in high school this spring, she is adjusting to college life as a Division I student-athlete. She has already started training with the team and will be able to compete during the team's spring season.
"It takes a special person to leave high school early and come to college," Van De Walle said. "She's passing up a lot of things that seniors do like prom and a summer graduation. She's getting used to the way we do things here and that's a huge advantage for her for the fall season."
Kearney was a four-time PAC 7 all-star, a four-time district 4 all-star, the district 4 Player of the Year, a three-time PAC 7 Player of the Year, a three-time All-PAC 7 first team honoree, and a three-time All-Ohio selection, including back-to-back first team selections the last two seasons. She was named the captain of her high school team the last three seasons leading her team to a 22-3 overall record and an undefeated 13-0 league record, including a regional semifinal finish this past season. Triway finished the season ranked third in the state and was ranked as high as No. 1 for two successive weeks late in the year. In her senior season she tallied 823 assists and 94 aces in 25 matches.
She played club volleyball for Cleveland Renaissance and led her team to a ninth place finish at the 2008 USA Junior Olympic National Tournament in the Open division and earned all-tournament honors at the 2007 USA Junior Olympic National Tournament.
Bowling Green went 25-9 in 2008, including a mark of 12-4 in the MAC. The Falcons advanced to the MAC Tournament semifinals and finished with their fifth consecutive winning season and third straight 20-win campaign.
