Excellence in the classroom and on the court has earned Monmouth College senior Mackenzie Gillund (Bluegrass, Iowa/Davenport Central) selection to the Capitol One Academic All-District first team in volleyball.

      Gillund earned the honor in a nationwide vote of sports information directors based on academic and athletic performance. The outside hitter played the entire floor for Monmouth, ranking second on the team in kills and kills-per-set. On the defensive side, Gillund trailed only the Scots' libero in digs and digs per set.

      As a first team all-district selection, Gillund will advance to the national ballot and be considered for the Capitol One Academic All-American team. She is the first volleyball player since Molly Pendergrass in 2004 to advance to the national ballot.

      A biochemistry major, Gillund is the daughter of Lloyd and Merlene Gillund.