GAINESVILLE, Fla. – University of Florida’s outside hitter Jordyn Byrd has been named to the AVCA’s 2025 Division I Player of the Year Award Watch List, presented by Nike Volleyball, as the organization announced the first group of additions on Thursday afternoon.

The Sarasota, Fla. native has made an immediate impact in just 11 matches into her collegiate career. After earning MVP honors at the AVCA First Serve Showcase, where she led the Gators with 23 kills in a Week 0 upset of then-No. 3 Pitt on Aug. 24, the redshirt sophomore currently leads Florida in both kills (170) and points (181.5), while ranking fifth in the SEC in kills per set (4.56) and seventh in points per set (4.94).

 

She has recorded double-digit kills in 10 of the Gators’ 11 matches and has led the team in kills nine times, while posting a .235 hitting percentage. In addition to her offensive production, Byrd has totaled 21.0 blocks on the season, tying her career-best of 3.0 blocks in each of Florida’s last three matches.

 

Byrd is one of 17 players that will be added to the list this week, joining the initial group of 30 student-athletes selected in July. The AVCA will release a second round of additions tomorrow, with semifinalists set to be announced in November and finalists revealed in December. The 2025 Player of the Year will be named at the AVCA Awards Banquet in Kansas City on Friday, Dec. 19.

 

Group One Additions:

Noemie Glover, Arizona State

Brielle Kemavor, BYU

Jalyn Stout, Coastal Carolina

Jordyn Byrd, Florida

Stella Swenson, Minnesota

Gabi Placide, Ole Miss

Rebekah Allick, Nebraska

Favor Anyanwu, SMU

Jadyn Livings, SMU

 

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