WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Marietta College volleyball team had four players named to the 2025 All-Ohio Athletic Conference women's volleyball team by the league office on Thursday (Nov. 13) morning. Senior setter Emory Spitler (Lebanon, Ohio/Lebanon), senior outside hitter Jillian Fellers (Alliance, Ohio/Marlington), and junior middle blocker AnnaBelle Hacker (Centerville, Ohio/Alter) all earned first team honors. Senior libero Keira Shannon (Roscoe, Ill./Hononegah Community) was named honorable mention.
 
"I am so proud of every single one of these young women!" said Marietta head volleyball coach Kristy Anderson. "They've earned these honors through pure hard work, heart, and dedication."
 
More accolades were received as Spitler was also recognized as the Player of the Year in the OAC. The now four-time All-OAC first teamer and AVCA All-American has been the top setter in the conference for the last three seasons. This year, Emory played and started in all 23 regular season matches. She again led the OAC in assist per set (10.55) and proved herself worthy as a defensive presence averaging 3.1 digs per set, good for 12th in the conference.
 
"Emory has spent every day of her college career pouring her heart into Marietta College Volleyball," said Coach Anderson. "From being named Freshman of the Year, to earning First Team All-OAC honors every season, leading the conference in assists per set since she first took the reins of our offense, and countless athletes of the week her accomplishments speak for themselves. But what truly makes Emory deserving of Player of the Year goes far beyond the stats. Her impact on every single athlete who has come through our program is unmatched. I couldn't be more grateful and proud to have had the opportunity to coach her."
 
Fellers, also now a four-time All-OAC standout, played and started all 23 regular season matches. She led the team with 290 kills and was tops in the OAC in kills per set with 3.54. Her .295 hitting percentage was good for eighth in the conference. Proving that she's great in all phases of the game, Fellers was second on the team with 29 service aces and was tenth in the conference  with 3.33 digs per set.
 
"Since day one, Jillian has been not only one of the top outside hitters, but one of the top players in the OAC," commented Coach Anderson. "Her competitiveness and drive show every single day, pushing her teammates to elevate their game right alongside her. This year, it's been amazing to watch her grow not just as a competitor, but as a captain leading with everything she has to uphold and strengthen our program's culture. Seeing her dedication to grow daily is only small part of why I am so thankful I got to coach Jilli."
 
In her first year as a full-time starter, Hacker put together a strong season as she made 21 starts on the year. She was third in the conference with a .288 hitting percentage and defended the nets well with 58 blocks, good for second on the team and 11th in the OAC.
 
"AnnaBelle has been patiently waiting for her opportunity to step into a starting role and this season she embraced it and absolutely thrived," said Coach Anderson. "I'm so proud of the hard work and growth she's shown on the court, but just like the others who have earned awards, it's her ability to pour into those around her that makes me even prouder to be her coach."
 
Shannon made the All-OAC team for the second straight season. She again proved to be one of the top OAC defenders as she led the team with 5.09 digs per set, good for fifth in the OAC.   She also was tops in the conference with .49 services aces per set.
 
"Keira has always been the spark plug for us from the very beginning, and this year has been no different," said Coach Anderson. "What has stood out most, though, is the tremendous growth she's shown both on and off the court. As a captain, she has learned to lead by example and to truly invest in building relationships with her teammates. Coaching Kei has been so special, her passion for the game and the people she loves is truly inspiring."
 
"Watching their effort, teamwork, and passion every single day is nothing short of amazing," concluded Anderson. "These women make me proud both on and off the court and having the opportunity to coach them is an incredible honor."
 
Marietta will host Ohio Northern tonight (Nov. 13).  The OAC semifinal match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
 
Fans can follow all the Pioneer teams all year long at pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on X and Instagram.