GREENVILLE, S.C. –  On Wednesday afternoon, Paige Merrick, of Campbellsville University women's volleyball, was bestowed the 2021 Susan R. Hellings Award for Division I Women's Volleyball by the NCCAA.
 
Merrick was chosen based on her knowledge of the game, experience, and the positivity she brought to the Lady Tigers. She was commended for being an excellent leader on and off the court, "showing resolve to encourage others while maintaining a challenging schedule." Merrick has been a successful student and athlete, maintaining a 3.55 GPA as a business administration major.

Merrick has collected many awards during her playing time with Campbellsville, earning awards such as Second-Team All-Conference, Regional Player of the Year, NCCAA First Team All-American, AVCA All-American Honorable Mention, NAIA All-American Honorable Mention, NCCAA Scholar-Athlete, and many more.

Merrick volunteers at homeless shelters and retirement homes. She has also worked in Christian summer camps and volunteers at Rolling Hills Church, assisting with children. During her college breaks, she coaches and influences young athletes at her mom's volleyball club.

Head Coach Rinata Aisena affirms that Merrick "stands out with her self-awareness and ability to draw the best out of each of her teammates. She is very reliable both on and off the court." Coach Aisena upholds that Merrick is consistently "exemplifying strong servant leadership qualities."

Award Description
Susan R. Hellings played volleyball in the mid 1970's at Houghton College. She was a starting hitter for her championship team. Susan exemplified Christian leadership on the court, not allowing anything to stand in the way of team unity. She was an excellent student as demonstrated by being her high school valedictorian and graduating Summa Cum Laude from college with a B.A. in mathematics. Susan is the mother of two boys. She and her husband, Richard, host Bible studies in their home and are active in their local church. Susan was the type of student-athlete who exemplified all the characteristics that this award is intended to honor.