NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Villanova outside hitter Abby Harrell was named to the BIG EAST's preseason all-conference team on Tuesday afternoon, one of 12 players in the league recognized with the honor.

An All-BIG EAST selection during her debut season, Harrell became the third Wildcat volleyballer ever and first in over two decades to win BIG EAST Freshman of the Year after ranking seventh in the league for kills and points. 

The 5-foot-10 pin hitter led the 'Cats with 389 kills last year while finishing top five on the squad with 39 service aces (second), 256 digs (third) and 40 blocks (fourth). 

A native of Ellensburg, Washington, Harrell picked up five BIG EAST Freshman of the Week honors after playing in all 118 sets as a six-rotation player in her rookie campaign with 24 double-digit kill outings.

Harrell and the Wildcats will begin their 2024 slate in California, heading out to Santa Clara for the second iteration of the Catholic Challenge.

Preseason All-BIG EAST Team (* denotes unanimous selection)
Ava Martin, Creighton
Norah Sis, Creighton*
Kendra Wait, Creighton*
Rachel Krasowski, DePaul
Jill Pressly, DePaul*
Yadhira Anchante, Marquette
Hattie Bray, Marquette
Aubrey Hamilton, Marquette*
Carsen Murray, Marquette
Erin Jones, St. John's*
Lucrezia Lodi, St. John's
Abby Harrell, Villanova