Hitt tabbed academic all-district

Cornell senior right-side hitter Kirtley Hitt has been named to the 2011 Capital One Academic All-District First Team for volleyball, selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Hitt was selected to the NCAA Division III top unit in District 8. She was among five honorees from the Iowa Conference, including first-teamers Caitlin Kouba of Central and Emily Ryan of Coe, and second-team picks Chelsea Grieger of Central and Britlyn Sieck of Wartburg.

As a first team recipient, Hitt advances to the Capital One Academic All-America Team ballot, where first, second and third-team All-America honorees will be selected later in the month.

The all-academic teams recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and in the classroom. To be eligible for consideration, a player must be a starter or important reserve, have completed one full calendar year at the nominating institution and carry a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.

Hitt is pursuing a double major in biochemistry & molecular biology and kinesiology. A three-time academic all-IIAC performer, Hitt carries a 3.857 GPA.

Hitt, a third-year letterwinner, is one of three seniors on this year's Ram squad that carries a 28-5 record into Friday's 12:30 p.m. match against Elmhurst in the first round of the NCAA Division III Championships. Hitt ranks second on the team with 65 total blocks (0.56 bps). She has posted 153 kills (1.31 kps) and 53 digs through 33 matches.