Surry Community College freshman Michelle Thao prepares to serve.
Surry Knights Athletics
Surry Community freshman Michelle Thao continues to build her resume even after the conclusion of the Lady Knights’ volleyball season.
Michelle Thao, a graduated of Fred T. Foard High School, already earned First-Team All-Region honors along with being named both the Region 10 Western Division Player of the Year and Region 10 Player of the Year.
On Dec. 1, Thao received her highest honor yet when she was named an All-American Honorable Mention by the National Junior College Athletic Association. Surry Community competes in the NJCAA’s Division II.
“This is a great accomplishment for Michelle,” said Surry volleyball coach Caleb Gilley. “It is another award to further prove how great of a freshman season she had in helping our team be successful. There are a lot of great players across the country, so for her to be named as one of the top players in the country is a true testament to the caliber of player she is.”
Thao finished second in Region 10 with 344 kills, while also placing second in kills per set at 3.74. She ranked seventh in the region in hitting percentage with a .292 average, fourth with 370 digs and fifth with 4.02 digs per set. Thao also ranked second in total points with 4.4 per set and was 11th in service aces with 42.
She finished the season ranked No. 24 overall in NJCAA Division II volleyball with 3.74 kills per set while ranking 28th overall with 4.4 points per set.
Thao helped lead the Lady Knights to an overall 25-4 overall record while claiming the Region 10 Western Division Championship. Surry was ranked in the NJCAA national poll for much of the season.
Thao was also named the NJCAA Offensive Player of the Week in Division II volleyball for September 20-26.