MERCED, Calif. – University of California, Merced men's volleyball graduate Ryan Kilgore has been named to the CSC Academic All-District At-Large Team for the second straight year, as announced by College Sports Communicators.
Kilgore is the first student-athlete in UC Merced men's volleyball history to earn this honor twice in his career.
The 2024 Academic All-District At-Large Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances in competition and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America program separately recognizes at-large honorees in four divisions – NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.
Kilgore graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in management and business economics and a minor in cognitive psychology. He maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his career.
On the volleyball court, the 6'7" outside hitter was one of just two players in the NAIA with at least 270 kills, 20 service aces, and 17 solo blocks in the 2024 campaign. His 17 solo blocks marked a UC Merced single-season record. He had 52 blocks overall. Kilgore, who earned All-California Pacific Conference First Team honors, averaged 2.71 kills per set while finishing with a .262 hitting percentage. He was also named the Cal Pac Attacker of the Week in late February, following his terrific outings at the Oak Invitational. The Jurupa Valley, Calif., native was one of just three Bobcats to play in all 28 matches en route to leading the Bobcats to their first ever California Pacific Conference Regular Season Championship.
Kilgore finished his UC Merced career ranked third in program history with 536 career kills, 2.40 kills per set, and 44 solo blocks. He also finished tenth with 29 service aces.
Outside of CSC Academic All-District awards, Kilgore has been recognized as a Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete, Cal Pac All-Academic Team member, Chancellor's List member, and was recently named UC Merced's Male Intercollegiate Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
To be considered for this honor, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore and maintain a 3.50 cumulative GPA. Additionally, men's volleyball players must compete in 90% of the sets or must start in at least 66% of the institutions total matches.
Kilgore has also been selected as a finalist on the CSC Academic All-America ballot. NAIA Men's At-Large Academic All-America teams will be announced on July 17.
