This certainly isn’t a surprise, but it’s great news nonetheless—Naomi Washington has become the 17th two-time All-American in Long Beach State women’s volleyball history, being named to the Honorable Mention team.  Washington left Long Beach just days ago to return home to New Orleans as she decides between overseas professional volleyball offers, and was happily reminiscent about the “special” time in her life—after a tumultuous beginning to her LBSU career, it’s nice to see her finish off with such a fantastic honor. http://www.staging-live.lbpost.com/sports/lbsu/6465

Here’s the full release from the university:

49er outside hitter Naomi Washington earned Honorable Mention All-America honors after leading Long Beach State to a second-straight Big West title in 2009, as announced by the American Volleyball Coaches Association today.

Washington also won the award last season, making her the 17th player in Long Beach State history to be a two-time All-American.

Washington, a senior outside hitter from New Orleans, La., led the 49ers in kills with 464 on the season and averaged 4.14 kills per set, a mark that was third in the Big West and ranked 38th nationally. Additionally, she was second on the team in hitting with a .269 percentage and made 66 blocks on the year.

Over the course of the season, Washington had over 20 kills on eight occasions, including a career high of 29 in a win over Tulane in New Orleans. She was twice named the Big West Player of the Week, and also earned first-team All-Big West and AVCA All-Region honors.

In the final regular season match, Washington also passed 1,000 kills over her career, becoming the 15th player in Long Beach State history to reach that milestone.