Simpson garners NAIA honors

Brooke Simpson racked up numerous honors on the volleyball court for Scott City High School.

Major success has continued for Simpson on the collegiate level.

Simpson, a junior outside hitter, was named an honorable mention NAIA All-American in her first season at Columbia College in Columbia, Mo.

Simpson was among the Cougars' top players as they finished second in the NAIA national tournament, losing to Concordia (Calif.) University in the title match on Dec. 1 in Sioux City, Iowa.

The 2010 Scott City graduate earned first-team all-American Midwest Conference honors. She ranked second on the team with 400 kills and fourth with 304 digs while leading the squad in serving percentage at .919. She added 36 blocks and 21 aces.

"Broke has been a tremendous leader on and off the court this year for our team. She has had an exceptional season considering she has had to tackle a brand new position at outside hitter [after previously playing in the middle] on a top team in the country," Columbia coach Melinda Wrye-Washington said. "She has a tremendous arm and ball control that have made her one of the best players in the nation. I love her leadership ability and her confidence in practice and at game time."

Simpson also stood out in the classroom this year, making the athletic department honor roll and earning academic all-conference honors.

"Brooke was a fantastic example of what it means to be a student-athlete," Wrye-Washington said. "Next season we look for Brooke to be an All-American Scholar Athlete as well."

Prior to joining the Cougars, Simpson had a stellar two-year career for Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Mo.

Simpson was a first-team all-conference, all-region and NJCAA All-American as a sophomore in 2011. She was also the Region 16 player of the year after leading Region 16 with 358 kills and 281 digs.

Simpson earned first-team all-state honors at Scott City in 2009 and was the Southeast Missourian player of the year after helping lead the Rams to the Class 2 state championship.