LA MIRADA, Calif. --- After two years of tandem libero-ing with now-assistant coach Alex Brehaut, Tess Van Grouw had her opportunity to seize full control over the spot this season and has taken advantage of it.
 
The Eagles' junior captain and defensive anchor was rewarded for her excellent work throughout the regular season with 2016 All-Golden State Athletic Conference recognition on Tuesday.
 
"Obviously all of us are super proud of Tess," said Head Coach Aaron Seltzer. "We are so thankful for her leadership and her improvement this year. She is the heart and soul of this team and has kept us together all season long."
 
Van Grouw has been one of the few sources of consistency for Seltzer and Biola Volleyball this season as the team has battled injury after injury and had to really move its roster and lineups around on a weekly basis in order to win volleyball matches.
 
Tess is one of just four student-athletes to play in all 120 sets the Eagles had to play through this regular season. She ended the year with 544 digs, which gave her the most out of any player in the conference.
 
Her average of 4.53 digs-per-set and ability to serve as a dual-threat by serving well made her a major contender for conference Libero of the Year, which ultimately went to the libero on the undefeated No. 1 Westmont Warriors.
 
"Tess has been that one solid, consistent girl for us throughout the whole year," said Seltzer. "She really carried us through this year by bringing everyone together. I think this award also speaks well to the work of her teammates."
 
This is Van Grouw's first career all-conference honor and it puts her name in contention for NAIA All-American honors. She will lead her team into battle in the NAIA Tournament Opening Round this weekend as the Eagles host La Sierra at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday (Nov. 19).
 
Westmont swept all of the major conference honors, winning coach of the year, assistant coach of the year, player of the year, libero of the year and freshman of the year. The All-GSAC team is presented by Under Armour.