Kentucky junior libero Jenni Casper was recently named All-Region honorable mention by the American Volleyball Coaches? Association for her outstanding play during the 2005 season.

Casper played her best collegiate season this year, totaling 523 digs (4.34 pg) while being named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in three seasons. The Louisville, Ky., native also earned the award after her freshman season in 2003.

The 5-3 dynamo broke the Kentucky record for career digs midway through the season and sits on top with 1,474 digs. Her 523 digs this year rank second for single-season digs at UK and all three of her seasons rank in the top five on that list.

Casper is tied for fifth in the SEC record books for career digs and her 523 this year also rank fifth all-time in the league. This year, Casper helped her Kentucky team to its most wins and first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1993. The Wildcats finished fifth in league play with a 10-6 record, also its most league wins since 1993.

Casper is one of three seniors returning for the Wildcats in 2006. She joins fellow defensive player Julie Gagnon and Melissa Popp as returning starters for Kentucky next year.