Katelyn Reilly Named Woman of the Year at 37th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day

February 18, 2023

Toms River, NJ - Ocean County College sophomore Katelyn Reilly was named a “Woman of the Year” for Ocean County College by the Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) and the New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (NJAIAW) at a celebration of the 37th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day, held at Seton Hall University on February 18.

Reilly, an NJ Stars student majoring in biology at Ocean, was a member of OCC's women's volleyball team for 2 years, and recently completed her sophomore season nationally ranked in digs-per-set (5.29), earning All-Garden State Athletic Conference 2nd Team honors while helping her team finish with a 12-4 GSAC Conference record. Her passion for the sport extends beyond the playing surface to instruction, where she served as an assistant coach of a 15U team at the Ocean County Volleyball Club in Toms River, NJ.

“Being a collegiate athlete means dedication. Dedication to your team and teammates. Dedication not only to your sport, but to your academic classes, work, friends, and family," stated Reilly. "As a collegiate athlete you learn to balance all the aspects of your life so that you are always ready on game day, and you learn to never lose your focus on the other key aspects of your college experience."

"Throughout my experience as an OCC athlete I gained more than just volleyball skills," Reilly continued. "I had the opportunity to play an unforgettable season surrounded by amazing people. I learned lots from my fellow teammates, coaches, and the athletic staff that helped me improve as a player and a person."

“Kate was the type of player who led by example," remarked OCC Women's Volleyball Head Coach Alexis Whitney. "She never stopped until conditioning or a drill was fully complete and she never let any of her teammates stop either. She bought the team up as a whole not just on the court, but also off the court. She participated in activities on campus, gave recruiting tours, and encouraged her teammates to do the same. Kate's an incredible example of what it takes to develop the Ocean County College school climate and of what it takes to be a Viking!"

“Katelyn is a fantastic student-athlete, and a leader,” remarked OCC Executive Director of Athletics Ilene Cohen. “She has a bright future ahead of her. I can’t wait to see what she goes on to achieve.”

Congratulations to Katelyn for receiving this prestigious recognition.

February 1, 2023, marked the 37th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). This celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. The confidence, strength and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to become strong leaders in sports and life.

The National Girls and Women in Sports Awards recognize outstanding student-athletes throughout New Jersey who have made significant contributions to their institution and community through athletic accomplishments, academic success, and community involvement. For more information about the National Girls & Women in Sports Awards, please visit the New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women’s website.