HICKORY, N.C. - Thanks to her contributions both on and off the court, Emmaleigh Allen has been named the South Atlantic Conference Volleyball Scholar Athlete of the Year. 

The honor recognizes a student-athlete's combined excellence in academics, athletics, service, and leadership. Allen is the first Bear to win this award. 

Allen was an All-SAC Second Team honoree this season, helping the Bears reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament for just the third time in program history. The senior finished the year with 304 digs, 246 kills, 36 service aces, and started all 31 matches, playing in all but two sets. She was named the SAC Offensive Player of the Week on September 29th for her performances against Catawba and Mars Hill. 

The former SAC Freshman of the Year and AVCA Honorable Mention All-American had to persevere these past two years as she missed the entirety of the 2024 season due to injury. Allen didn't miss a beat this season and was named a team captain by head coach Nicole Barringer.

"Emmaleigh has been a leader for us since she got here. She's been a leader on the court, in the weight room, and in the classroom. She's a high achieving individual and is very deserving of this award. We are proud of her and grateful she is a Bear!"

Off the court Allen is just as impressive, holding a 3.95 cumulative GPA in accounting, finance, and management. She was named to the CSC Academic All-District Team in both 2023 and 2025, the only years she was eligible. In 2024 the Wooster, Ohio, native was honored as the Broyhill Family Foundation Scholarship recipient from the Charles M. Snipes College of Business and Economics. She is also involved on campus a tutor and is the vice president of The Hidden Opponent, a club dedicated to mental health advocacy. 

Her commitment to excellence and character has earned high praise from university leadership and her coaching staff, who cite her discipline, leadership, and ability to elevate those around her as hallmarks of her collegiate career.