WINTER 2023-2024 25 PATRIOTATHLETICS TWO PATRIOTS NAMED SOUTH CENTRAL REGION PLAYERS OF THE YEAR Delaney Fuller Taylor Tufts DBU Volleyball’s Delaney Fuller and Women’s Soccer’s Taylor Tufts were recognized as All-Americans and honored as the top players in the Lone Star Conference and South Central Region following the 2023 season. Both Fuller and Tufts helped guide their teams to conference titles and trips to the NCAA postseason this year. Fuller, a senior outside hitter from San Juan Capistrano, California, was named a First Team All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association and was this year’s LSC Player of the Year and AVCA South Central Region Player of the Year. It marks the second consecutive year that a player from DBU was named the South Central Region Player of the Year after AJ Koele won the award in 2022. In her second year at DBU, Fuller, a transfer from Angelo State a year ago, arguably compiled the most impressive offensive season in program history after setting the program record for points (529.0) and kills (494) in a single season. Fuller also ranks among the nation’s best statistically, as her 494 kills were the 11th-most in the country, and her 4.94 points per set ranked as the 13th-highest average at the NCAA Division II level. DBU head volleyball coach Jordan Fish beams when she thinks about Fuller’s impact. “I am so proud of the young woman, teammate and player that Delaney is developing into here at DBU,” Fish said. “We love her, are grateful for her, and it has been amazing to see what the Lord has been doing in her life during her time at DBU. I am excited that she has another season here at DBU and for what God has in store for her and our team.” Taylor Tufts, a junior midfielder from Southlake, Texas, took the Lone Star Conference by storm in her first season at DBU and was named the league’s Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and Forward of the Year in addition to being named a First Team All-American DBU Head Volleyball Coach Jordan Fish by the Division II Conference Commissioners Association. Tufts was also selected as the South Central Region Player of the Year following the Patriots’ run to the postseason. In her first year with the Patriots after transferring from the University of North Texas, Tufts led the nation and set a school record in assists with 17 on the season. The Patriots’ junior midfielder also scored seven goals and led the Lone Star Conference in points (33). DBU Women’s Soccer Head Coach Marcus Wood raves about the player Taylor has become this season. “We knew DBU was getting a special soccer player,” Wood remarked. “We have been pleased to find that she is an incredible teammate. She loves her teammates, and she loves soccer. Her positive energy is contagious every day.” Both Fuller and Tufts return to campus next year for their senior seasons. With a star-studded cast surrounding DBU’s All-Americans, volleyball and women’s soccer are primed to defend their conference crowns and make runs in the NCAA Tournament.
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