Women's Volleyball | December 10, 2014

SEASIDE, Calif. — Julia Ashen (North Salinas HS) etched her name in the record book one more time, becoming the first student–athlete in Otter history to be named a Capital One Academic All–American^® two times Wednesday afternoon when she was named to the first team for the second consecutive season.

Ashen was one of six student–athletes selected to the first team. She was the only volleyball player to be repeat as a first team honoree. She was one of two CCAA student–athletes selected as UC San Diego's Caitlin Brenton earned second team honor.

"I have coached for 17 years in college and Julia is one of the most driven student-athletes I have ever worked with," says CSUMB Head Coach Jody Garry (@JodyGarry). "It's been an honor to watch her tackle every challenge that can her way with such grace and determination."

Ashen was a first team Capital One Academic All–American^® as a junior in 2013, becoming just the second Otter to earn that distinction. The other Otters to earn the award were softball All–American Jamie Moon (2012) and baseball star Brian Haggett (2013).

To be eligible for the award, student–athletes must be of at least sophomore standing, carry a minimum 3.30 grade point average and be a significant contributor on the court.

The Otter outside hitter carries a spotless 4.00 GPA as a human communications major. In fact, she has never earned anything less than an "A" in any class she has ever taken at any level.

On the court, Ashen played through a pair of potentially season–ending injuries to earn All–CCAA recognition for the third consecutive season in 2014. She compiled 259 kills, good for second on the team and No. 14 in the CCAA. She finished her career No. 2 in CSUMB history in kills (1,278), No. 3 in points (1409.5), No. 6 in blocks (164) and No. 7 in digs (917).

She also remains the only Otter ever to collect 500 kills in a season, a feat she accomplished as a junior in 2013.