NEW LONDON, Conn. –

The American Volleyball Coaches Association(AVCA) has announced its 44th annual All-America teams for NCAA Division III women's volleyball and Coast Guard's senior Libero Laila Baameur(Bakersfield, CA) was named as All-American Honorable Mention. 

"This is just an incredible accolade." said Baameur. "This would not be possible without my amazing teammates and coaches by my side the entire time, and the consistent dedication everyone gave to this phenomenal season. I really just thank God for the incredible opportunity of receiving an award of such value."

The honor for Baameur puts the finishing touches on a historic senior season in which she was the NEWMAC Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Region, and now Honorable Mention All-American. She is just the sixth woman in Coast Guard history to earn All-American status, following Corinne McCormack('05 & '07), Nicole Gurr('06 & '07), Michelle Hernandez('14), Ashley Dumont('14), and Amanda Dake('21). 

"We're incredibly proud of her and all she has accomplished." said Bears Head Coach Mark Thomas. "Laila's recognition as an AVCA All-American is a testament to the leader she has become and the relentless competitor she is every day." 

The relentless competitor coach Thomas alluded to was apparent to anyone who watched Laila play. The senior libero is notorious for dropping all the way to the floor and letting out a fierce yell after a big point. Baameur is also often the first to celebrate with a teammate after a big play, or pick them up after a mistake. 

 "Her work ethic, consistency, and uncompromising drive set the standard for our program." continued Thomas. "She created a pathway for success through her actions, not her words, and future Bears will look to the example she built."

When asked to share some words of wisdom for future Bears and girls rising through the ranks of volleyball, Baameur shared the following: "Honestly, volleyball is such a small portion of this wonderful life of ours, and is simply preparing you for the next stages of life. Use this game as an opportunity to learn how to work hard and test your limits, but really… have fun. At the end of the day, that's what you'll remember."

Baameur, despite an early career position change and battling injury throughout, finds her name all over the Coast Guard Volleyball Recordbook(Read Here). She concludes her career 15th All-Time in CGA history in digs with 1,011, and 5th All-Time in single season digs with 523 this year. She was 5th in the entire nation this season in digs per set this season at 6.01. 

Read the full list of All-Americans HERE