Cleveland Named NTL Volleyball Defensive Player of the Year
By: Ed Weaver | NTL Sports | November 29, 2023
Senior Natalie Cleveland was named the NTL's Defensive Player of the Year as the league announced their 2023-24 Volleyball All-Star teams on Tuesday, November 28.
Cleveland recorded 317 digs, made 25 assists, received 399 serves, and scored 106 points and 16 aces on 196 serving attempts (0.949).
"I am extremely proud of Natalie being named the Defensive Player of the Year," 1st year head coach Darci Warriner said. "Natalie has provided our team with great defensive leadership for the past two and a half years. Moving from a defensive specialist to the libero provided her with experience anywhere in the back row. Natalie had over 500 career digs as the libero. Natalie has worked hard for this accomplishment, and I am beyond grateful to have her recognized by the league."
Joining Cleveland on this year's all-star team are senior Meredith Brownlee, juniors Lexi Urena and Paige Logsdon, and sophomore Taylor Main.
Urena led the Lady Hornets with 148 kills, 61 aces, and 12 blocks. She also had 139 points and 131 digs.
Brownlee led the team with 176 points and had 136 kills, 44 aces, and 125 digs and Main led the team with 149 assists and had 149 points, 21 aces, and 102 digs.
Logsdon recorded 38 kills on 144 attempts, made 14.5 blocks, and made 4 assists.
"I am so excited to see our girls recognized for their hard work and achievements this season," Warriner continued. "Lexi and Meredith led the team from the outside and service line, earning themselves first team selections. They both worked extremely hard this season and I am so proud of their accomplishments. Both girls can play any position we need and were thrown in to multiple spots at any given moment to help their team. Taylor is a first year varsity player and came in as a leader on the court. Taylor came to every practice and game ready to give it her all. I am excited to see what next year brings for her.
"Paige played the last half of the season due to an injury, but played a major role in the team's success. Although Paige wasn't on the court in the start of our season, she was the biggest supporter on the bench. When Paige returned, she became a right side, which was her first time in this position. Paige is a leader on and off the court and is a great addition to our team in any position."
WellsboroAthletics.com would like to congratulate Natalie, Meredith, Lexi, Paige, and Taylor on being named to this season's all-star team.
View the complete 2023-24 NTL Volleyball All-Star teams.
Ed Weaver is the owner of Circle W Sports in Wellsboro, PA, is the Sports Director for The Home Page Network and the creator of WellsboroAthletics.com and WellsboroFootball.com. You can follow him on Twitter or friend him on Facebook.
