Arkansas Tech University’s Kristy Bayer was named 2017 Great American Conference coach of the year to lead a cavalcade of awards for the Golden Suns when the league announced its postseason recognitions.
Sophomore setter Amanda Milnick of Tahlequah, Okla., captured GAC player of the year and setter of the year honors, while middle blocker Lexie Johnston of Nixa, Mo., earned the GAC freshman of the year prize.
Milnick and Johnston were unanimous All-GAC first team selections. Sophomore outside hitter Allie Anderson of Bryant and junior outside hitter Hunter Eshnaur represented Arkansas Tech on the All-GAC second team. Senior defensive specialist Madison Nagel of Rowlett, Texas, and sophomore middle hitter Greer Rogers of Fort Smith received All-GAC honorable mention awards.
It was the fifth conference coach of the year award for Bayer (photographed), who was previously Gulf South Conference West Division coach of the year in 2008 and GAC coach of the year in 2011, 2014 and 2015.
Bayer has led Tech to six regular season conference championships, four GAC Tournament titles, four appearances in the NCAA Division II Tournament and a school-record 364 wins.
The nationally eighth-ranked Golden Suns (35-0), regular season and postseason champions of the GAC, will compete in the NCAA Division II Tournament Central Regional Nov. 30-Dec. 2.
