LINCOLN, NE (Dec. 2, 2024) – Four Nebraska Wesleyan University volleyball standouts, Addie Thomas, Elecea Saathoff, Raegan Holle, and Kobie Patten, have been named to the 2024 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team. The honor recognizes excellence on the court and in the classroom, with recipients required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher, be a starter or key contributor, and participate in at least 90% of their team's matches.
A senior health & physical education major, Thomas cemented her place as one of NWU's all-time greats this season, surpassing the program's career records for kills (1,541) and surpassed the 1,000 career digs milestone (1,082). She averaged 3.66 kills per set while adding 15 double-doubles to her impressive resume. A First-Team All-Conference selection, Thomas also earned A-R-C Player of the Week honors once this season. Off the court, she has demonstrated leadership as a member of the NWU Student Athlete Advisory Committee. This is Thomas' third time earning CSC Academic All-District.
Saathoff, a sophomore elementary education major, orchestrated the Prairie Wolves' offense with precision, ranking third in the A-R-C with 9.01 assists per set and tallying 1,050 assists overall. She recorded nine double-doubles, including 53 assists, twice in five-set battles with Buena Vista and Simpson. Beyond her athletic success, This is Saathoff's first time earning CSC Academic All-District.
Holle, a junior health & fitness studies major, excelled as the Prairie Wolves' libero this season, leading the team with 470 digs and averaging 4.35 digs per set, the sixth-highest mark in the A-R-C. Off the court, Holle has been an active volunteer, assisting with Special Olympics Track & Field, various Nebraska Wesleyan Youth Volleyball Camps, and the Faith Lutheran Church Golden Needles Quilting Group, where she made quilts to be donated to the Lincoln Pregnancy Center and the People's City Mission Help Center.
A junior exercise science and modern language studies double major, Patten played as a six-rotation outside hitter and was integral to the Prairie Wolves' offense and defense. Patten tallied 325 kills, averaging 2.83 kills per set, while also recording 328 digs for a 2.85 digs per set average. Her all-around contributions were vital for NWU, and she added 48 service aces to her stat line. Academically, she excels as a double major. Patten also works during her free time in the NWU athletic communications department.
This dynamic group played huge roles in guiding the Prairie Wolves to a 21-9 overall record and a third-place finish in the A-R-C standings. NWU reached the A-R-C Tournament semifinals, for a second straight season.
Each honoree will now advance to the CSC Academic All-America ballot, with those teams set to be announced in January.
