By Jocelyn VerVelde, TTU Sports Information Coordinator

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech volleyball team gave out its team awards recently as voted on by the players and coaches.

"The awards that we give out are what this program is all about," head coach Dave Zelenock said. "If you want to see who was worth the most kills or digs, you can always check the stats. But being a volleyball player at TTU is about being a great teammate, continuing to improve even into your senior year, and having great spirit and pride in TTU."

Four players earned awards including the Spirit Award for the player who showed the most team spirit throughout the season, the Most Improved Award for the player who showed the most improvement throughout the season, the Best Teammate Award for the Golden Eagle who displayed the ability to be a good teammate consistently, and finally the Coach's Award for the player who, on and off the court, was one the coaches relied on.

Senior Ashleigh Hancock showed her development during the season, as she increased her junior year stats (4.54 assists per set) to 8.59 assists per set and added several other intangibles through her time as she earned the Most Improved Player award this season. Hancock is a setter from Richmond, New Zealand.

Junior Courtney Smith's strong sense of being a teammate was noticed by her teammates and coaches as she was honored with the Best Teammate Award. Smith is a junior from Knoxville. Freshman Rachel Travis, a freshman from Chattanooga, was given the Spirit Award as she used her attitude and enthusiasm to help bring a strong spirit to the squad.

Natalie Penrod, a snior from Alexandria, Ky., served as a liaison between the coaches and the team this season and her ability to carry over her leadership to the court helped her earn the Coach's Award for 2013.