Valpo senior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) added another honor to her lengthy list of accolades on Tuesday, as she earned a spot on the AVCA All-Midwest Region Team. By virtue of her All-Region award, Cookerly is now eligible for All-American consideration.
Cookerly enjoyed another stellar season in the spring 2021 campaign, earning MVC Libero of the Year honors for a second straight year as she totaled 422 total digs. Her average of 5.78 digs/set is good for 10th nationally and is third in a single season in program history. Cookerly finished in double figures in digs in each of her 18 matches this season including 20+ digs 12 times and 30 or more on four occasions — highlighted by a season-high 40 digs at #13 Notre Dame to match Valpo’s record for digs in a five-set match.
Another strong season has pushed Cookerly’s career numbers into lofty territory. She now owns 2,514 career digs, over 400 more than any other active player in the country. Cookerly closed the shortened spring 2021 campaign second in Valpo history and third in MVC history in career digs, and is just outside the NCAA’s top-15 all-time in the category as well.
This marks the third time in Cookerly’s four seasons at Valpo she has earned postseason recognition from the AVCA, as she was the Midwest Region Freshman of the Year in 2017 and an Honorable Mention All-Region choice in 2019. Cookerly becomes Valpo’s first All-Region selection since fellow standout libero Taylor Root earned a spot on the All-Region squad in 2012.
