The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Crook Unanimously Named to American Preseason All-Conference Team
8/19/2025 10:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Junior opposite hitter Jorda Crook highlighted the American Conference Preseason All-Conference Team as one of two unanimous selections by the conference head coaches, as announced by the conference on Tuesday.
Crook, an Ohatchee, Ala. native, is entering her third season with the Blazers coming off a First Team All-Conference selection in 2024.
As a sophomore, Crook recorded 354 kills across 28 matches and 100 sets, averaging to 3.54 kills per set, the second most of any returning player in the American. Crook averaged 3.87 kills per set in conference matches, the fourth most in the American in 2024.
Crook starred all across the court, recording the third most points per set, 4.61, in conference matches last season. Crook ranked in the top 10 in aces per set with 19 in her 55 sets played. She is the only player returning to the conference to rank in the top 10 in three different per set statistical categories in American play (kills, service aces, and points).
Crook and the Blazers were selected seventh in the preseason coaches' poll.
UAB is set to open its non-conference slate next Friday with a pair of neutral site matches in Tuscaloosa, against Jacksonville and UNC Asheville on August 29. The Blazers will wrap the weekend at Alabama on Saturday, August 30 at 3 p.m.
Betsy Freeburg's sixth UAB squad will begin American play on September 26, hosting Wichita State at Bartow Arena.
Preseason Player of the Year
Maria Clara Andrade, Sr., OH, South Florida
Preseason All-Conference Team
Jorda Crook, Jr., OPP, UAB*
Kristen Birmingham, Charlotte
Kai Bailey, Jr., MB, East Carolina
Taryn Gilreath, So., S, East Carolina
Ellie Pate, Jr., OH, East Carolina
Victoria Hensley, Sr., S, Florida Atlantic
Ryann Vik, So., MB, North Texas
Lademi Ogunlana, Sr., MB, Rice
Taylor Preston, Sr., OH, Rice
Savannah Skopal, So., S, Rice
Cindy Tchouangwa, Jr., OH, Rice
Ally Cavanaugh, R-So., OH, South Florida
Maria Clara Andrade, Sr., OH, South Florida*
Avery Burks, Jr., OH, Tulane
Brayden Hipp, Sr., S, Tulsa
Brooklyn Leggett, R-Sr., RS/OH, Wichita State
*Denote Unanimous Selection
Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Rice (9) 141
2. South Florida (4) 136
3. Wichita State 120
4. East Carolina 106
5. Florida Atlantic 100
6. Tulsa 91
7. UAB 63
8. Tulane 62
9. UTSA 46
10. Temple 43
11. Charlotte 39
North Texas 39
13. Memphis 28
