Burse, Simpson voted Preseason All-Big 12

IRVING, Texas — For the sixth-straight season, Kansas volleyball has multiple players on the Preseason All-Big 12 Team as senior Gabby Simpson and junior Jada Burse are on a short list of the best players in the conference entering the 2018 season.

It is the first Preseason All-Big 12 honor for both Burse and Simpson. Since 2013, Kansas has been represented by at least two players on the Preseason All-Big 12 Team.

Burse earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors during her sophomore season in 2017, averaging 2.48 kills per set and reaching double-figure kills in 14 matches. A native of DeSoto, Texas, Burse is KU’s leading returning points earner from last season, accounting for 42 percent of KU’s returning point production — from kills, blocks and aces — entering this season.

After redshirting last season during her first year in Lawrence, the 6-foot-3 Simpson will look to make an immediate impact for the Jayhawks as a versatile setter and a right-side hitter. A native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Simpson was a three-year starter at Colorado who earned All-Pac-12 honors in 2015 and 2016 before transferring to KU prior to the 2017-18 academic year.

The Big 12’s preseason awards are voted on by the league’s head coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own players.

The Jayhawks’ 28-match schedule begins on Friday, Aug. 24 at Arkansas and features 10 contests against 2017 NCAA Tournament teams.

PRESEASON ALL-BIG HONORS

Preseason All-Big 12 Team
Hannah Lockin, Baylor
Shelly Fanning, Baylor
Yossiana Pressley, Baylor^
Hali Hillegas, Iowa State
Grace Lazard, Iowa State
Jess Schaben, Iowa State^
Jada Burse, KANSAS
Gabby Simpson, KANSAS
Kylee Zumach, Kansas State
Alyssa Enneking, Oklahoma
Kylee McLaughlin, Oklahoma
Anna Walsh, TCU
Yaasmeen Bedart-Ghani, Texas
Morgan Johnson, Texas
Micaya White, Texas^
Missy Owens, Texas Tech

^ – Unanimous Selection

Preseason Awards
Preseason Player of the Year: Micaya White, Texas
Preseason Freshman of the Year: Logan Eggleston, Texas

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