Volleyball | 1/24/2025 2:04:00 PM

NORFOLK, Va. - Sophomore outside hitter Gabrielle Gilbert has been named the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) Volleyball Player of the Year, as announced by the organization this afternoon.

Gilbert becomes Norfolk State's first ever VaSID Player of the Year selection. Norfolk State becomes only the second HBCU to feature an athlete as the VaSID Volleyball University Division Player of the Year, after Hampton achieved the feat in 2013 and 2014.

"It means so much to me to achieve this feat. Ever since I've been hired here, I have been trying to turn this program into what I know it could be: top-tier," Head Coach Kathy Bullock said. "I'm so excited for the future of the program and for what's to come. It's only the beginning."

Gilbert secured First Team All-State honors, as Sydney McCree earned Second Team All-State laurels. 

Gilbert led the conference in total points (457.5) while ranking second in kills per set (4.06) and second in total kills (394). 
 
Gilbert recorded five double-doubles, six matches with 20 or more kills, and 24 double-digit kill performances in 27 matches played. She posted a season-high 24 kills, along with 11 digs, and two service aces against N.C. Central on Sept. 27.

A junior setter from Durham, N.C., McCree tallied 8.19 assists per set to rank third in the conference, whilst totaling 794 assists, to rank second. McCree eclipsed 2,000 career assists against Delaware State on Nov. 3.
 
McCree posted 40 or more assists three times, 30 or more 13 times, and 20 or more 25 times across 27 matches played.

"Both Gabby and Sydney are grounded in what they can do on the court: Sydney as a setter and Gabby as an outside hitter, and off the court as well," Bullock said. "They continue to build the legacy of Norfolk State as we build up our recognition, not only within the MEAC Conference but amongst all volleyball programs."

Kathy Bullock becomes the first Norfolk State volleyball head coach to develop multiple VaSID First Team selections (GIlbert '24 and Nicole Rodriguez '21). She is also the first NSU coach to have multiple selections in a single year.

"As a coach with over 400 wins in her career, I stand by knowing who I am, not only as a coach but as a person," Bullock said. "I know what I am capable of as a head coach. Everyone is going to know of the legacy I have growing here at Norfolk State."

Norfolk State Hall of Fame Inductee Charlotte Armstead earned First Team All-State honors in 2012 under former coach Brandon Duvall.

VaSID All-State Women's Volleyball - University Division

First Team
Kate Gammer – Liberty
Gabrielle Gilbert – Norfolk State
Milan Gomillion - Virginia
Jasmine Knight - VCU
Sophia Paspal - Radford
Julia Rienks - VCU
Abby Tadder – Virginia 

Second Team
Madison Blane - Liberty
Myah Conway - ODU
Lara Del Core – VCU
Kate Dean – Virginia
Zoey Dood - Virginia
Elayna Duprey - Virginia
Sydney McCree – Norfolk State
Hailey Pearce – Virginia Tech
Autumn Martinez Robinson – George Mason