Volleyball | 4/13/2024 8:36:00 AM

RICHARDSON, Texas (April 12, 2024) – For the first time in program history, a Texas Woman's student-athlete has been named the Lone Star Conference Athletic Performance Athlete of the Year.

Last week, Malia Viernes became one of the first TWU student-athletes to be named an NSCA All-American. Now, Viernes becomes the first Pioneer in program history to be named the LSC Female Athletic Performance Athlete of the Year.

"Malia has consistently shown a drive to get better every time that she steps into the weight room," said Delaney Baxendale TWU Sports Performance Coach. "Her work ethic, positive energy and strength have made her a standout athlete within the department. I am very lucky to work with such an exceptional athlete, and I am thrilled that she has been recognized by the other LSC coaches."

This marks the fifth year an LSC Athletic Performance All-Conference team has been named. The awards are voted upon by the league's athletic performance staff.

A junior volleyball student-athlete, Viernes displays a great attitude and serves as a role model for other in the weight room. She currently has a front squat max of 250 pounds, trap bar deadlift max of 345 pounds, and a floor press max of 145 pounds. As quoted in the LSC release, "she wants to do everything in her power to improve herself and she has gone above and beyond to do that in the weight room."

During the volleyball season, Viernes and the Pioneers returned to the Lone Star Conference tournament for the first time since 2019. They recorded their longest sweep streak since 2012 and had their best start to LSC play since 2015. Throughout the season, they were ranked in the top five in multiple LSC categories, and they returned to the NCAA South Central Regional Rankings for the first time since 2015. Viernes finished the season with 177 kills and 192 points on the season.

"Malia is the ultimate grinder and works extremely hard," TWU Head Volleyball Coach said. "Her drive has allowed her to challenge her own limits at competition every day. We are so proud and excited to call her a Pioneer!"