On Nov. 14, four members of the SUNY New Paltz women’s volleyball team were chosen for the 2023 Division III All-Region Team for Region III. Fourth-year co-captain Cate DiGiacomo and third-year Jamie Albrecht were named to the first team. Fourth-year co-captain Mackenzie Williams and third-year Letisha Perez won honorable mention awards.
There are 14 All-Region team members and six honorable mention selections from each of 10 regions. Players are selected by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).
DiGiacomo is no stranger to award season, having won All-Region and All-American honorable mentions, among others, last year. This year, she played 97 sets with 852 assists on offense and 202 digs on defense at setter. DiGiacomo was also named to the All-SUNYAC second team.
Albrecht transferred to SUNY New Paltz this season from Springfield College and immediately proved her worth. Over 90 sets, she obtained in 274 kills on offense and 191 digs on defense as a right side hitter. Albrecht was also named to the All-SUNYAC first team.
Williams, like her co-captain DiGiacomo, also added to her laundry list of accolades this year, having won All-American honorable mention, All-Region and All-SUNYAC first team last year. This year, in 100 sets she racked up 323 kills on offense and 283 digs on defense as outside hitter. Williams was also named to the All-SUNYAC first team.
Perez was named to the All-SUNYAC third team last year and maintained her dominance this year. Over 101 sets, she logged 277 kills on offense and 19 solo blocks as a middle hitter. Perez was also named to the All-SUNYAC second team.
DiGiacomo and Williams have played their final seasons, but Albrecht and Perez will return next year.
The team boasted a 21-8 overall record through an incredible season highlighted by the success of veteran players such as those being honored now. They advanced to the SUNYAC championship earlier this month, sweeping No. 3 seed SUNY Geneseo 3-0 after falling short to them last year. The next day, they would lose to No. 1 seed SUNY Cortland in the SUNYAC Championship. Despite the team’s loss, they had a remarkable season that is being recognized with these All-Region and All-SUNYAC awards.
Head coach Matt Giufre commented on how proud he is of these players. “I’m pleased to see Jamie, Cate, Letisha and Mackenzie recognized for their incredible seasons,” he said. “The four of them mean so much to our team on and off the court. They’re great players, students and people. I’m happy for them to receive this honor.”