When Towson arrived at Delaware for the Colonial Athletic Association Championship, the team had high hopes of leaving with a Championship title. While those dreams fell short, the team did leave with two other CAA honors.

Sophomore outside hitter and captain Katy Buck was awarded the CAA Player of the Year, and Head Coach Bruce Atkinson was awarded Coach of the Year.

“I think it’s an amazing team award because everyone has been a part of everyone else’s success,” Buck said. “So the fact that I got it just means that all the players around me are awesome and made me look good, even though I might not be playing well.”

Atkinson said Buck deserved the award because she’s a consistent player the team can always count on.

She finished with 457 kills, a hitting percentage of .335, 31 service aces and 268 digs.

“You look at her numbers and what a critical role she’s played for us. In my mind, there’s no one more deserving,” Atkinson said. “I think there’s times where others may have bigger numbers, but there are times when that same person has a much lower numbers. Katy doesn’t do that. She doesn’t ride the roller coaster very much. To me, that’s what a true MVP is: someone you can depend on night and night out.”

Buck had good things to say about Atkinson.

“He’s been a great coach this year,” she said. “He’s always been pushing us and encouraging us and always wanting the best out of us, and I know this spring he’s going to get every drop out of us.”

Atkinson said he attributes his recognition to the success of the team and having his assistant coaches help.

“I think it’s a great honor,” he said. “You don’t see that happen very often to one of the teams that’s a third-seeded team, and I think it’s a credit to what our team and assistant coaches have brought to the table this year.”

Joining Buck on All-CAA teams are junior setter Aubrey Kirven, who was elected to the Second Team All-CAA, and freshman libero Paige Sekerak, who earned a place on the CAA All-Rookie team.