Oct. 26, 2006

Karen Lyons (McAllen, TX/McAllen Memorial H.S.) and Deanna Schneyer (Diamond Bar, CA/Diamond Ranch H.S.) represented The University of Texas-Pan American women's volleyball team on the Academic All-Independent list that was announced on Thursday (Oct. 26).

Lyons became a two-time Academic All-Independent award winner as the UTPA senior has posted a 3.46 cumulative grade point average in biology. The Rio Grande Valley talent is currently leading the Lady Broncs in digs with 357, which is the eighth highest total in UTPA single-season history. Among the Independent ranks, Lyons is listed eighth in digs per game with a 4.25 digs per game average, which is the fourth highest in program history.

Earlier this season, Lyons recorded her 1,000-career dig and became the second player in program history to collect over 1,950 assists and 1,000 digs in her career with the Lady Broncs. A standout in the lineup for four seasons, Lyons is currently listed second in assists (1,979), fifth in digs (1,065), sixth in digs per game (2.72), seventh in games played (392) and eighth in assists per game (5.06) in the all-time record books.

Schneyer is a first-time Academic All-Independent award recipient as the Lady Bronc middle blocker has recorded a 3.82 cumulative grade point average in marketing. In her second season, Schneyer is currently tops on the Lady Broncs in total blocks (62), block solos (16) and block assists (36) while averaging a team-high 0.62 blocks per game.

The UTPA sophomore has quickly found a name for herself in the all-time program record books as she is ranked first in total blocks per game (0.75), seventh in total blocks (144) and block assists (116). Schneyer has posted at least one block in 23 of the squad's 25 matches this season.

The Academic All-Independent Women's Volleyball Team was selected by Sports Information Directors at NCAA Division I Independent institutions. Nominations from each school were accepted for student-athletes who had at least a 3.2 cumulative grade point average, had reached at least a sophomore athletic standing and were a starter or key reserve for their team.

UTPA Sports Information