PORTLAND, Ore. --- Portland volleyball's incoming freshman Carey Williams landed on the Defensive Dandy Third-Team, yesterday afternoon. In order to receive this honor, Williams must be one of the top 40 Prep defensive players in the country (Freshmen-Seniors). She is one of only 20 seniors nation-wide to make the top three teams out of a total of six and an honorable mention category.
 
"Carey is a fantastic young volleyball player and person," said Portland head coach Brent Crouch. "She is excellent with her forearms and, despite not being the tallest outsider hitter around, is an excellent attacker as well. She hits very hard and with range, and is capable of mixing in shots. Her ability to receive serves, however, really sets her apart from her peers. Carey will compete as an outside hitter and defensive specialist/libero on our indoor team."
 
The players who land on these defensive teams are all-around high school or club talents who project high success at the collegiate level. High school coaches and club directors were asked to nominate players for this list. The only limitation was the player had to be generally considered among the best 10-20 defensive players in her state regardless of class year or school classification.
 
Williams earned First Team All-League and First Team All-State honors as a hard-hitting left side for the nationally-ranked Red Raiders in 2016. A defensive award typically given to liberos, Williams receives this honor after completing her senior season for Kauhku High as an outside hitter.