Charlotte, NC – An unstoppable season for the Harvester Bees came at the hands of strong leadership on the court. Carli Banks of Dallas College – Eastfield has been named the 2024 NJCAA DIII Volleyball Player of the Year.
Banks has been a part of two National Championship winning teams, contributing to an incredible 69-1 run over the last two years for Dallas – Eastfield. Banks is growth personified in a player. Already making her mark in 2023, she honed in on her skills as she improved her numbers and impact on the court.
From 2023 to 2024, Banks made extreme statistical jumps in virtually every category. She increased her overall points from 197.5 to 354.0, while her hitting percentage went from .245 to an impressive .323. Her vast improvements and growth directly impacted Dallas – Eastfield's success this season and in the National Tournament.
"Carli may be the most improved player on our roster from last year. When she came to us, she was an athlete that could jump high and hit hard," stated head coach, Phil Nickel. "Through her hard work and commitment, she has developed into an excellent volleyball player. I don't think it's a stretch to say she is the best player in the country at her position."
Banks' impact on the Harvester Bees during the National Tournament was unparallelled. Her leadership and growth led Dallas-Eastfield to their second national title in as many years. In the championship match, Banks garnered a hitting percentage of .421 and 11 points. She registered 19 total attacks and 9 kills. In the entire tournament, she totaled 29 kills, 35 points and 59 total attacks.
Banks is a sophomore out of Houston Texas. Prior to joining Dallas – Eastfield, she attended Stephen F. Austin High School. In 2024, Banks earned a spot on the NJCAA Division III First Team All-America list. She was the Dallas Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player while also being a First Team ALL-DAC. She was awarded DAC Offensive Player of the Week as well as reaching many statistical career highs this season.
Personal
- Position: Outside Hitter
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Houston, TX
- High School: Stephen F. Austin High School
2024-25 Statistics
- 282 kills
- 2.69 kills per set
- 313 digs
- 2.98 digs per set
- 354.0 points
2024-25 Accomplishments
- 2024 NJCAA Division III Volleyball First-Team All-America Selection
- 2024 All-Dallas Athletic Conference Volleyball First-Team Selection
- 2024 Dallas Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player
- DAC Offensive Player of the Week (Sept. 16)