By: Mark Wasik
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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State's
Manu Johnsen,
Leah Freeman and
Kourtney Brown were all named to the CSC (College Sports Communicators) Academic All-District team, it was announced by the national organization on Tuesday. In addition, Johnsen was advanced to the national ballot for Academic All-America honors, which will be announced next month.
Student-athletes must be in at least their second season, hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 and be a starter or important reserve to be eligible for the CSC Academic All-District teams.
Johnsen, a junior outside hitter from Copenhagen, Denmark, is the fastest player in KSU history to reach 1,000 career kills, reaching the milestone in her 76th game for the Black and Gold. She finished the season ranked 82nd in the nation (third in Conference USA) in kills per set (3.79 kps), and was fourth in the league in points per set (4.33 pps). Johnsen's season kills (474) and points (507.0) are the third highest mark as well in school history. A First-Team All-CUSA selection, she also picked up her first Conference USA All-Academic honor this past month, and has been on the Dean's list every semester at KSU. She's been recognized as a Presidential Scholar three semesters, and also earned 2023 CSC Academic All-District honors. A biology major, she is currently holding a 3.90 cum GPA.
Freeman is a junior defensive specialist who moved into the starting libero role in mid-September. She excelled in her expanded role as she averaged 3.50 digs per set after totaling 409 for the year. Freeman was also one of the top servers on the squad, finishing with 24 aces for the year after coming into the season with nine. She also added 101 assists as well. A native of Lake City, Tenn., the technical communication major holds a 3.76 cum GPA.
Brown, a redshirt sophomore from Birmingham, Ala., split time as the Owls' setter this year in their 6-2 formation. She finished the season with 533 assists for the year for a 4.68 aps average, and also was a strong server. Brown was second on the team in service aces with 37, an average of 0.31 per set. A marketing major, she holds a 3.70 cum GPA.
