For a small town like Walla Walla, Washington, it’s not every day that one of its own makes waves in the sports world. But for Hannah Hair, the spotlight is becoming a familiar place. On December 11, 2024, the NCAA Division II volleyball All-America selections were announced, and once again, the standout athlete from Walla Walla has earned a prestigious honor. Hannah Hair, a senior at Seattle Pacific University, was named an All-American by both the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and the D2 Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) — an accolade she has now secured for two consecutive years. Her journey from Walla Walla High School to one of the nation’s premier volleyball programs has been nothing short of spectacular, and 2024 proved to be yet another shining chapter in her remarkable athletic career.
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From Walla Walla to the National Spotlight
Hannah’s rise to prominence began in her high school years at Walla Walla High School (Wa-Hi), where she first made a name for herself on the volleyball court. A multi-sport athlete, Hannah quickly became a dominant force in the Mid-Columbia Conference (MCC). Her ability to excel on the court was evident as early as her sophomore year, and by the time she graduated in 2019, she was the MCC Volleyball Player of the Year.
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Her skillset as an athlete and her passion for the game didn’t go unnoticed by college scouts, and she soon found herself at Seattle Pacific University (SPU), a school with a rich volleyball history. At SPU, Hannah not only continued to build on the skills she developed in high school but began to redefine what it meant to be a force at the net. She quickly became a key player for the Falcons and established herself as one of the top performers in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC).
Throughout her collegiate career, Hair has amassed numerous accolades, each more impressive than the last. Her five seasons at SPU have been marked by consistent excellence. In 2024, just weeks before her selection as a two-time All-American, Hannah was named to the D2CCA All-West Region First Team, a clear indicator of her status as one of the best players in the nation. She was also honored as an AVCA All-West honorable mention, solidifying her reputation as one of the premier athletes in Division II volleyball.
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A Record-Setting Season
The 2024 season was another landmark year for Hannah Hair, both individually and as part of the Seattle Pacific University volleyball team. While SPU finished the season with an overall record of 10-16 and placed sixth in the GNAC standings, Hair’s performances were nothing short of remarkable. She was one of the team’s most consistent players, dominating both offensively and defensively.
Perhaps the most notable achievement of Hannah’s 2024 campaign came on November 2nd during a match in Alaska. In that game, Hair surpassed the GNAC’s all-time blocks record, setting a new standard for future generations of players. With that block, she cemented her place in volleyball history, further proving that she is a force to be reckoned with at the net. As of the conclusion of the NCAA championships tournament, Hair currently holds the record with 629 career blocks. Her blocking ability has become her trademark, and in 2024, she once again led the nation in blocks per set with an impressive average of 1.53.
This achievement is no small feat. Volleyball is a game that requires a combination of skill, timing, and athleticism, and Hannah’s ability to consistently block opposing attackers has set her apart from her peers. In fact, her blocking prowess has become one of the most significant components of her game, and it’s a trait that has made her one of the best players in Division II volleyball.
In addition to her incredible blocking statistics, Hannah has also contributed significantly to her team’s offense. Her versatility as both a blocker and hitter has made her a dual threat on the court. Her offensive game is just as strong as her defensive skills, making her a well-rounded and invaluable player for the Falcons. Even with SPU’s relatively modest season, Hair’s performances were a bright spot, and her individual success has kept the program competitive in the highly competitive GNAC.
The Journey to All-American Honors
Earning All-American honors is a significant achievement for any athlete, and for Hannah Hair, it marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Being named to the AVCA and D2CCA All-American teams is a testament to her exceptional skill set, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure. For Hair, this recognition is the result of tireless effort both on and off the court. Her focus on improving her game, her commitment to her team, and her unrelenting drive to be the best have all played a role in helping her achieve this incredible honor.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Hannah has also excelled academically. She is majoring in exercise science at SPU and has maintained a strong academic record throughout her college career. Balancing the demands of a Division II athlete with her academic responsibilities is no small feat, but Hannah has managed to do so with grace and dedication. Her ability to perform at the highest level in both athletics and academics is a testament to her work ethic and discipline.
Her recognition as an All-American is also a reflection of the support she has received from her family, coaches, and teammates throughout her career. Hannah’s journey is not one she has taken alone, and she often speaks of the importance of teamwork and the role her coaches have played in her success. The guidance of her coaching staff at Seattle Pacific has helped shape her into the player she is today, and she is quick to credit her teammates for their contributions to her achievements.
Looking Ahead
As Hannah Hair’s illustrious career at Seattle Pacific University nears its conclusion, it’s clear that she has left an indelible mark on the program and on NCAA Division II volleyball. Her success both on the court and in the classroom will serve as an inspiration to future generations of athletes from Walla Walla and beyond.
Looking ahead, it’s likely that we’ll see even more accolades and achievements from this remarkable athlete. While her college career may be coming to an end, her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire. Whether she continues her volleyball career professionally or pursues other endeavors, one thing is certain: Hannah Hair is a name that will be remembered for years to come.
As the volleyball season concludes and the national spotlight shifts, Hannah can take pride in knowing that her contributions to the sport will not soon be forgotten. With her relentless determination, unmatched blocking ability, and commitment to excellence, she has proven that hard work truly does pay off, and she has cemented her place among the best of the best in NCAA Division II volleyball.
For the city of Walla Walla, there is no greater pride than to see one of their own achieving greatness on a national stage. Hannah Hair’s journey has only just begun, and with her talent, work ethic, and determination, it’s clear that the future is bright for this rising star in the world of volleyball.
