There’s not much Alexa Koshman can do to surprise people anymore.
A year after taking the PACWEST tournament by storm as a sophomore libero, the College of the Rockies Avalanche player turned heads again and earned a spot on the Provincials all-star team as a power hitter.
“She was fantastic,” said Avs head coach John Swanson. “All year, she’s been a player that [plays with] tremendous heart, desire, and passion to play at the highest level.
“I don’t think she raised her game at the Provincials, that’s just the level she’s played at all year.”
At 5’5, Koshman stands out as a left side hitter — a role usually more suited to a taller player with long arms — but ever since making the transition to the position in November, she has been one of the team’s most reliable kill-producers.
“Offensively, she hits beautifully down the line and makes the opposition have to account for her,” Swanson said. “She’s [also] tremendous defensively and in my opinion is one of the best passers and defenders in Canada at the collegiate level.”
During the regular season, in 51 sets as a power hitter, Koshman had an unbelievable 144 kills and 162 digs. As a result of her tremendous plays, she was honoured alongside teammate Adriel Goodman as a second-team PACWEST all-star for the regular season.
“I wasn’t surprised [that she was named to the tournament all-star team] and she was certainly deserving,” Swanson said. “I’m very happy for her and appreciative that she’s on our team.
“She’s a true leader in all aspects [of the game].”
Joining Koshman on the tournament all-star team were Sarah Hughes of the Capilano University Blues, Claudia Cornell and Juliana Penner of Douglas College Royals, and Catie Hegglin and Andrea Cankovic of the VIU Mariners. VIU’s Mikayla Wagner was named the MVP of the Provincials.
