Oct. 12, 2009

DID YOU KNOW? Shari Matthews became North Carolina Central University's first volleyball All-American when she was voted as the 2006 NCAA Division II National Player of the Year.

In just two seasons at NCCU (2006-07), Matthews broke the school record for career kills with 1,447 and career service aces with 229, while also collecting 860 digs and 139 blocks.

A native of Bridgetown, Barbados, Matthews was selected as the 2006-07 and 2007-08 recipient of the LeRoy T. Walker Medallion of Honor as NCCU's Female Student-Athlete of the Year.

As a junior transfer, she led the nation with an average of 6.37 kills and 0.92 service aces per game, breaking the NCAA Division II record for kills in a season with 974. Matthews was named CIAA Player of the Year and CIAA Championship Most Valuable Player after guiding the team to its third consecutive CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) championship title.

As a senior in 2007, her 473 kills and 89 service aces helped to Eagles to a 21-13 overall record in their first season of Division I competition.

As part of North Carolina Central University's Centennial celebration, the NCCU Department of Athletics will post sports history facts from the institution's first 100 years to its official web site, www.NCCUEaglePride.com, every Monday during the year-long observance.