BLINN VOLLEYBALL’S STRINGER EARNS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN HONORS
Story by Joe Alberico, Blinn College Sports Information
When Olivia Stringer transferred to Blinn College in January, head coach Gregg Whitis and her Buccaneer teammates believed she was making the right decision.
Now, the sophomore hitter has the NJCAA on her side, too.
Stringer has been named to the NJCAA Division I Volleyball All-America first team after helping guide Blinn to an outstanding season.
“When I got to Blinn, I honestly didn’t know that I would have the potential to do this,” Stringer said. “I was recruited here to have this kind of role on the team, and I am just so thankful to coach Gregg (Whitis) and my teammates for helping me fulfill the responsibilities of that role.”
Stringer is the Buccaneers’ second consecutive first-team All-American following sophomore hitter Kellen Dorotik’s nod in 2024. Blinn has produced four first- and second-team All-Americans since 2023.
After leaving Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and arriving at Blinn, Stringer played in 42 matches while producing team highs in kills (536) and digs (375). Her kill total was the second highest in NJCAA Division I.
She transitioned seamlessly into a six-rotation role and rarely left the court. In the process, she earned Region 14 Newcomer of the Year honors as well as all-region first-team recognition.
“Olivia is a really hard worker and a good trainer, and she comes to practice every day with the intention of improving,” Whitis explained. “Her ability to transition to a six-rotation role for us and handle all the responsibility that comes with that speaks to her character. I knew that responsibility could be handled because of the way she shows up and competes.”
With Stringer’s help, the Buccaneers posted an impressive 38-5 record and a 12-2 region mark while also qualifying for the NJCAA Division I Volleyball Championship tournament for a sixth consecutive season. Both Stringer and Whitis gave a nod to her teammates and the team’s combined success for helping elevate Stringer’s play.
“Olivia came to Blinn and will leave as a first-team All-American and the leader of a team that made its sixth consecutive nationals appearance,” Whitis said. “I couldn’t be prouder.