Gasparovic Named To Volleyball Magazine All-America Second Team

MUNCIE, Ind. - - Ball State men's volleyball sophomore middle blocker J.D. Gasparovic (St. Louis, Mo./Oakville H.S.) has been named to the Volleyball Magazine All-America Second Team as announced in the July 2009 issue. Gasparovic's selection, the first of his career, marks the third-straight season BSU has had a Volleyball Magazine All-America honoree.

   "J.D. had a great season for our team," said Ball State head coach Joel Walton. "We want our middle blockers to hit at a high efficiency and be our team's primary blockers, and J.D. achieved a high level in both categories. J.D. is a consummate team player with a great work ethic and has worked hard to earn this honor."

   Gasparovic finished his sophomore season ranked first in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association in both hitting percentage (.465) and blocks-per-game average (1.39). His attack percentage ranked fifth in the nation, while his blocking average ranked ninth in the country. Gasparovic is the first player to lead the league in both hitting and blocking since 2001, when Ohio State's Todd Hill hit .459, while posting a 1.52 blocks-per-game average.

   A First Team All-MIVA selection in 2009, Gasparovic hit .500-or-better in 14 matches this past season and tallied double-digit kills 12 times, including a career-high 15 kills versus then-No. 11 Lewis (Jan. 30) which earned him MIVA Player of the Week honors. He also posted four-or-more blocks in 17 matches, including a career-high tying 13 total blocks (12 assists and one solo) in a three-game win at Grand Canyon (Mar. 8).

   Gasparovic, who earned MIVA Freshman of the Year accolades after leading the league and ranking sixth nationally with a 1.38 blocks-per-game average in 2008, is on pace to become one of the top three blockers in program history with 255 career blocks to date. Only three BSU players have finished their career with over 500 total blocks. In addition, his 1.39 career blocks-per-game average currently ranks seventh in team annals.

     Eight different Ball State men's volleyball players have earned recognition on Volleyball Magazine All-America squads a total of 13 times since 1984. Patrick Durbin earned second team honors after the 2008 season, while Ian Peckler picked up second team accolades in 2007.