WORCESTER, Mass. – Highlighted by Academic All-Patriot League selection senior setter Katie Russell, two members of the Holy Cross volleyball team were selected to the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team the organization announced on Tuesday afternoon.

In order to qualify for the CSC Academic All-District Team eligible nominees must have a 3.50 GPA or higher, be at least a sophomore academically and athletically, compete in 90 percent of the institution's matches played or must start in at least 66 percent of the institution's matches. Liberos, although not counted in stats as a starter, may be counted as such for nominating purposes.

Joining Russell on the CSC Academic All-District Team is sophomore middle blocker Lacey Murphy.  

Russell, a political science major with a 3.73 GPA, appeared in all 32 matches for the Crusaders in 2025, making 28 starts pacing the team in assists (821) and assists per set (6.73) while ranking second in aces (34), digs (233), and fourth in digs per set (1.91). This season, she climbed from not ranked to sixth place on the program's career assist list (1,674). She finished the season ranking third in the Patriot League in assists (821) and third in assists per set (6.73).  
 
Russell has posted two of the top three single-match assist totals in the Patriot League this season. During the 3-1 victory over New Haven (Oct. 21, Russell recorded a Patriot League season-high 65 assists which is currently tied for the most in a 4-set match in the NCAA this season. She then dished out 57 assists in a 3-2 comeback win over Lafayette (Nov. 15), the 57 assists were the third most in a match in the Patriot League this season.

Murphy, who is undeclared recorded a 3.77 GPA played in 28 matches for the Crusaders earning 22 starts in the middle. Murphy paced the team in total blocks (86.0) which was eighth in the conference and blocks per set (0.96) which was ninth. In league games, Murphy came in at seventh in blocks per set (1.02) and eighth in total blocks (52.0). The sophomore finished 2025 ranked fifth on the program's single-season blocks per set list (0.96) and seventh in single-season total blocks (86.0).
 
Murphy also tallied 121 kills and 1.34 kills per set while hitting .239 on the season. She recorded a career-high eight total blocks at Marist (Oct. 7) and hit .440 with a personal-best 13 kills in a win over New Haven (Oct. 21).

The 2025 Academic All-District® Volleyball teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes volleyball honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.
 
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