Lexington, KY — The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced its 2023 All-American selections Tuesday with senior opposite Pat Wing and graduate student outside hitter Brendan Spulnick earning spots on second team.
 
Wing, from Massapequa, NY, collected his second AVCA All-American honor after being named to first team last year as a middle blocker. Despite getting on second team this year, Wing arguably had his best season for the Hawks. He asked coach Radu Petrus ahead of the year to become a six-rotation player, being moved to the right side and proved he was one of the best overall players in the country.
 
"I think it was a good decision for the team," Petrus said. "It helped a lot on the right side. He still has the potential to be better. He's the best jumper in our program. He improved his defense a lot in area one."
 
Wing was the catalyst for SUNY New Paltz offensively, as he led the team in kills (379), kills per set (3.99), points (439.5) and points per set (4.63) — all career-high's — while hitting .286 with 12 assists and 34 aces. Defensively, he totaled 131 digs, fourth most on the team, with 45 blocks.
 
Wing returns to the Hawks in 2023 for his final season.

"I'm very happy that he's back," Petrus said. "Now I want the focus to make a good connection with a freshman setter from Buffalo. I think they'll be a good match in my opinion. I think he'll be first team All-American next year."
 
Spulnick, a mainstay in the SUNY New Paltz rotation since 2019, ends his five-year career with the blue and orange with his first AVCA All-American honor. A national champion in his first year with the program, Spulnick always showcased his vertical ability and power in his swing, both on the outside and in his serving game.
 
"He came to New Paltz with a lot of potential," Petrus said. "He has the ability to play high level volleyball. He has strong arms with a good vertical jump. He has natural ability. I think the most powerful server in DIII."
 
The Clifton Park, NY native etched his name in the program record books becoming the all-time service aces leader, finishing his career with 204 all-time aces and ended the year with 63, fourth most in single-season history, only behind himself in 2022, Ryan Bullard (70) and Jake Moore (75).
 
Spulnick trialed only Wing in kills (269), kills per set (3.02), points (353.5) and points per set (3.97), while adding 17 assists, 131 digs and 34 blocks on the year.
 
"He was a very powerful hitter from outside and all-around good defense," Petrus said. "He's actually improved a lot at New Paltz. He deserved [to be an All-American pick]."

To read the official AVCA press release, click here.

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