(Johnson County CC Sports Information) OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Johnson County Community College  volleyball player Gracie LaForge was named to the 2020-21 CoSIDA Academic All-America® College Division Women's  At-Large team as voted on by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). She was one of five to be selected for the honor. The college division includes two-year institutions, Canadian institutions and any United States four-year institutions not included with the NCAA and NAIA. LaForge is the fourth JCCC student-athlete and second volleyball to receive this honor in the three-year history of the award.   

LaForge, who posted a grade point average of 3.85 during her time at the college, recently was named the Lea Parski Award winner, given annually to the NJCAA student-athlete who best exemplifies sportsmanship, leadership, community service, academic excellence, and athletic ability.

As a two-year starter on the Cavalier's volleyball team, La Forge excelled on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.  Voted by her peers as a team captain, LaForge was instrumental in Johnson County claiming the 2020-21 NJCAA Division II Volleyball Championship title.  In the national title match, the fourth-seeded Cavaliers defeated No. 1 Parkland in four sets.  A consistent force on the front row, LaForge posted seven block assists, nine kills, and a .316 hitting percentage in her final contest with Johnson County.

LaForge started in all of Johnson County's 29 matches this season, averaging 2.59 kills per set, a .359 hitting percentage, and 0.75 blocks per set.  These season efforts earned the outside hitter First Team All-America, All-Region/District and All-Kansas Jayhawk Conference honors. 

LaForge's distinct leadership abilities and dedication on the volleyball court carried over to her efforts in the classroom.  As an occupational therapy major, LaForge earned a 3.83 cumulative grade point average at Johnson County.  In a demanding curriculum that is best known for the preparation provided to students who enter the workforce after graduation or transfer to a four-year institution, LaForge earned a perfect 4.00 GPA during multiple terms.

The passion for occupational therapy that LaForge possesses in the classroom is evident in the actions she takes within the community.  LaForge has dedicated time in her busy schedule to volunteer at a preschool, assisting children with special needs with development.  With compassion for others, LaForge spent time during the summer of 2020 fundraising for and distributing packages to those in her local community that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted. 

Next fall, LaForge will be at NCAA Division II Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo., to continue her academic and athletic careers as a member of the Hawks' volleyball team.     

WOMEN FIRST TEAM

Sport                   Name                              School                                                      Yr.   GPA        

Softball                 Owen Bowers                 Florida Southwestern State College          So.  3.94

Softball                 Rachel Cherubini            Penn State Brandywine                             Sr.   3.93         

Volleyball            Gracie LaForge             Johnson County Community College   So.  3.85         

Softball                 Alyssa O'Donnell            Florida Southwestern State College          So.  4.00

Softball                 Kat Wallace                     Jones College                                           So.  4.00         

  CoSIDA Academic All-America® Team Member of the Year:  Alyssa O'Donnell, Florida Southwestern State College