Norton placed on Rising Stars list

FAYETTEVILLE – After a standout first season for the University of Arkansas volleyball team, Jasmine Norton has been named to the Collegiate Volleyball Update (CVU) Rising Stars list. She is one of 19 players on the list consisting of impact freshman from around the country.

Norton was spectacular in her first season in Fayetteville, earning the program’s sixth All-America selection as a member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Honorable Mention team. She led the Southeastern Conference with 4.44 kills per set during league matches and finished third in the conference with 0.30 service aces per set. Along the way, Norton posted a career-high 29 kills in a Nov. 8 match against No. 19 LSU. She smacked 20 or more kills in 11 matches during the 2009 season.

In reward for her overall performance, Norton was named the South Region and SEC Freshman of the Year, in addition to receiving All-SEC Second Team and All-South Region Honorable Mention accolades. The Rowlett, Texas, native also collected a league-record six SEC Freshman of the Week honors.

Norton finished the season fifth in the nation among freshman with 4.12 kills per set and fourth among freshman with 4.68 kills per set.

CVU used rankings based on players who participated in at least 50 percent of their team’s overall games. Selections were based upon individual performance, contribution to the team and the player’s potential to make a future impact for the team.