The reigning Summit League player of the year is among 36 chosen to represent Team USA in Dallas.

The awards and acknowledgements keep piling up for SDSU volleyball player Kelli Fiegen.

Last week, Fiegen was selected to the USA Volleyball A2 roster. Tryouts for the team were held in February in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Fiegen was chosen as one of 36 players out of 200 other players.

“It’s a really big honor (being selected to the A2 team). It’s a great opportunity for me to play at a different level and represent South Dakota State,” Fiegen said.

Her selection shouldn’t be too surprising to Jacks fans. Fiegen was a key piece in leading the team to the Summit League Tournament in 2010. She posted the 23rd best attack percentage in the nation by hitting .377. She was also 46th in the nation with a 1.21 blocks per set average.

All of her great play during the season didn’t go without recognition. First, Fiegen was named the Summit League Female Athlete of the Month last October, and then Summit League volleyball player of the year, SDSU’s first conference player of the year since 2001.

“She (Fiegen) has always been a phenomenal athlete. She works hard on the court and in the classroom. All her hard work has paid off,” head coach Phil McDaniel said.

McDaniel spoke about how Fiegen plays a great vertical game and hits the ball with purpose, which makes her a great middle blocker.

Playing on the A2 team could possibly open some doors for Fiegen. Being on the  team could lead to an invitation to next year’s event and possibly invitations to the U.S. National team in the future.

Also getting attention out of Fiegen’s selection is SDSU itself.

“We’re hoping that more people take notice of us, start to see the Jackrabbit mascot out there and getting SDSU out there. It’s certainly good for us. She is certainly a great ambassador for all sports, not just volleyball” McDaniel said.

After being named the best player in the conference and now this selection, what is left on the plate for Kelli Fiegen to accomplish?

“I want to come back and be player of the year again. Overall, though, just try and find out my potential” Fiegen said.

Besides the awards and recent selection, Fiegen said her offseason is going well.

“Even with the staff change and everything, I think we’re handling it really well. Trying to incorporate the new philosophies and system, it has me looking forward to next fall. I think we’re going to be really strong next year” Fiegen said.

Fiegen will be training with the A2 team in Dallas, Texas from May 23-27, and then compete with the team at the USA Volleyball Open National Championships on May 28-31. Out of the 36 players chosen, Fiegen is one of only four players from a mid-major school.