The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Adams tabbed 2016 USA Volleyball Female Indoor Most Improved Player of the Year
12.01.2016 | Volleyball
Texas Ex Rachael Adams averaged 3.00 points per set at the 2016 Olympic Games.
AUSTIN, Texas – Longhorn Rachael Adams (2008-11) was tabbed as the 2016 USA Volleyball Female Most Improved Player of the Year, USA Volleyball announced on Thursday.
Adams played in 60 sets during 2016, averaging 3.37 points, 2.23 kills, 0.82 blocks and 0.32 aces per set. She converted 57 percent of her attacks into points with a .455 hitting efficiency. Competing in her first-ever Olympic Games, Adams averaged 3.00 points per set with 2.11 kills, 0.68 blocks and 0.21 aces per set in Rio de Janeiro. She held a .457 hitting efficiency while starting in all eight matches at the Olympics.
"I had many setbacks during the summer of 2015, and during those moments I was left with a choice to make: to either let the setbacks defeat me or keep pushing, trust my process and hold my vision of where I want to be. One of my favorite quotes says, 'I am thankful for my struggle because without it, I wouldn't have stumbled upon my strength.' These times weren't easy, but they shaped me into the person I needed to be and gave me strength I needed to have in order to be the player I was for my team in Rio.
"So, in short, this award means a lot to me because it represents the journey I've been on, the determination I've had to have to get to where I want to be and that was to be a complete player so I could help the team in any way that I could during the 2016 Olympics. This award makes me extremely thankful for all the support I've had along the way that believed in me and reminded me to working hard and to keep going."
Adams, who had not played in any FIVB events in 2015 and struggled to make rosters, turned in a remarkable transition into a starting middle by the Olympic Games. Upon returning to the U.S. Women's National Team with an Italian league title during her 2015-16 pro club season, Adams was impressive in her improvements and desire to make those around her better.
"Three years ago, Rachael could barely hit a one-footed slide," Kiraly said. "One year ago, she struggled to make USA travel rosters. Knowing that, Rachael surprised more than a few people by not only earning a spot on the Rio Olympic roster, but earning a starting role as well. All of which is a strong tribute to Rachael's ability to put in the 'hard yards,' to fight through the discomfort of learning in order to build a better game - and to make USA the best it can be.
