2018 Volleyball Roster
Sarah Hellman
- Class:
- Senior
- Position:
- DS/L
- Hometown:
- Denver, Colo.
- Height:
- 5-6
- High School:
- Cherry Creek
- Squadron:
- CVA
- Squadron:
- 34 / Loose Hawgs
JUNIOR YEAR | 2017: Played in 121 sets...served as the libero during 12 contests...earned three additional starts in the regular rotation...saw action as a libero, defensive specialist, setter and outside hitter during the season...moved into seventh on the program’s Division I career assist list (1680)...recorded 210 digs, 112 assists, 10 service aces, nine kills and three five blocks on the year...tallied a personal-best 15 digs against Columbia...recorded double-digit dig totals in five additional contests...matched career-high with three aces against San Jose State...posted a season-best 18 assists in the second match against Southern Utah...earned a season-high three kills against Nevada and a season-best three blocks (all assisted) against South Dakota...received the Iron Bolt Award.
SOPHOMORE YEAR | 2016: Saw action in 86 sets...was the starting setter for first 23 matches, before missing final eight contests with injury...recorded the eighth-highest single-season assist total in Air Force’s Division I history with 828 helpers on the year...recorded a career-high 58 assists against Southern Utah...that tally is a new Clune Arena record...posted first 50-assist match of career in season-opener against Jacksonville State (52)...matched that total against Grand Canyon...also surpassed the 50-assist mark at Cal State Fullerton (54)...tallied 1000th career assist during a 48-helper performance against Alabama A&M...recorded at least 40 kills in three additional matches...became just the sixth Air Force DI player to tally 1500 assists in a career...reached that milestone during a 37-assist outing at Fresno State...accounted for 170 digs...recorded a career-high 14 digs against Southern Utah...tallied eight double-doubles on the year (assists and digs)...added 54 kills, 18 service aces and 41 blocks (five solo, 36 assisted)...notched a career-high six kills against Colgate...tallied a personal-best three aces against Alabama A&M...posted a career-best five assisted blocks against Nicholls State...registered first collegiate solo stop in the next match (Louisiana-Lafayette)...tallied a solo block during four additional matches...named to the all-tournament team of the Quality Inn-Placentia Fullerton Classic.
FRESHMAN | 2015: Saw action in all 126 sets...served as the starting setter in every match...tallied 740 assists...that total is ranked ninth on the program’s Division I single-season standings...recorded a career-high 40 helpers against Army...surpassed the 30-assist mark against Montana State (34)...accounted for at least 20 assists in 20 additional contests...led the team in assists 26 times and shared the team lead during an additional three matches...registered two double-doubles on the season...collected 24 assists and 13 digs against Northeastern for the Falcons’ first double-double of the season...added 29 assists and 11 digs at San Diego State...accounted for 176 total digs...added eight kills and six service aces...posted first collegiate kill against Villanova...notched a career-high two kills against Boise State...also assisted on three blocks.
HIGH SCHOOL | CLUB TEAM: Cherry Creek High School...lettered in volleyball all four years...coached by Sally Moos...participated in the Colorado state tournament for three years...member of two teams that finished third at the state meet...two-time team captain...earned an athletic rope...competed at the club level for Colorado Performance Volleyball Club and the Colorado Volleyball Association...coached by Michelle Buckner...member of eight teams that qualified to the Junior Olympics...member of the team that won the Colorado Crossroads...earned three MVP awards.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Jonathan and Lynda Hellman...mother played tennis and volleyball at Grand Canyon University...has four siblings (two older, two younger)...majoring in behavioral science...also earning a minor in religious studies...named to the Superintendent’s List for excellence in military, academic and athletic performance (2017 spring semester)...serving as Alpha Flight Commander during the fall semester...has also served as Basic Cadet Training Element Leader (summer 2017), Element Leader (Fall 2017), Squadron First Sergeant (Spring 2018) and BCT Deputy Group Commander (Summer 2018)...attended the Academy’s Prep School...received the Leadership Award for volleyball...hobbies include signing, playing guitar, anything outside and spending time with family and friends...greatest personal moment in sports came from winning Colorado Crossroads...would like to add “It has been an honor and a privilege to be considered a part of the Air Force Academy’s volleyball team. There is no other name I would rather wear on my chest, no other women I would rather be alongside, and no other coaches I would rather play for. This experience has taught me so much about myself and what I am capable of. Not only that, but I’ve gathered more sisters and brothers than I could have EVER asked for along the way. Whether we win or lose, we are a family. Thank you to my coaches, to this institution, and to my family and friends for this opportunity and I hope you are enjoying our 2018 season as much as I am. Cheers and Go Falcons!”...member of Cadet Squadron 34.
