Volleyball | 11/3/2022 4:55:00 PM

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (November 3, 2022) – Penny Tusa, Texas Woman's volleyball graduate assistant, was named a recipient of the 2022 American Volleyball Coaches Association Diversity Award.

"I am beyond thankful to be selected to earn the AVCA Diversity Award," Tusa said. "This opportunity will allow me to gain a deeper understanding of the game that gave me more than just a volleyball career. I am excited to be a part of something that represents something bigger than myself and to learn from different coaches on their perspective of the game."

Tusa played college volleyball at Washington State University, where she is the Cougars' all-time ace leader with 145 and the program's leader in number of sets played. She graduated from Washington State in 2021 with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development with minors in Sociology and Sports Management.

Tusa has served as the Pioneers' graduate assistant for one season.

"Coach Penny is a terrific selection to represent TWU," TWU Head Coach Jeff Huebner said. "Her ability to connect with each person on a human level and believe in the best in everyone makes her an incredible coach to play for and work with."

She becomes the second member of the Pioneers' coaching staff to receive an AVCA Diversity Award. Assistant Coach Luiza Andrade received the award in 2021.

"The AVCA Diversity Program is really lucky to have someone like Penny in this year's class," Andrade said. "She is an amazing coach who is passionate about the game and cares so much about the athletes she gets to work with. This is a very deserving award for her, and I'm excited to keep watching her grow."

According to the AVCA, "the American Volleyball Coaches Association's Diversity Development Team, which originated in 2015, will bring 18 up-and-coming volleyball leaders to the 2022 AVCA Convention."

The 18 award recipients will have the opportunity to participate in educational seminars and relationship-building experiences at the AVCA Convention in December in Omaha, Nebraska.