USC women's volleyball incoming freshman Khalia Lanier was named the 2015-16 Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year on Wednesday, and the future Trojan received a huge surprise from USC legend April Ross upon finding out. The USC All-American, Olympic silver medalist, pro beach volleyball player and previous Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year award winner delivered the trophy to Lanier's school, Xavier College Prep, to present her with the well-deserved accolade.
Click here for more on the Trojans' talented incoming outside hitter.
Lanier, who signed her National Letter of Intent to play volleyball at USC last week, recorded 496 kills, 324 digs and 28 service aces to lead her team to the Arizona Division I state final this past season. Additionally, the gifted senior has maintained a weighted cumulative grade-point average of 4.21 and is committed to community service both locally and abroad.
The outside hitter was selected from nearly 430,000 high school volleyball players nationwide and is now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade Female High School Athlete of the Year award which will be presented before the ESPY Awards in July 2016.
"I am not surprised that Khalia was chosen for this great honor," said USC head coach Mick Haley. "We know her as a very talented and capable young woman, and are beyond excited to welcome her to the Trojan Family. The sky is the limit for her, and I hope that this award serves as motivation for her to work even harder at her craft in the years to come."
