Clay Center natives Jacey Schurle and Hali Clark helped lead the Manhattan Christian College Thunder to national recognition ahead of the 2025 NCCAA Division II Volleyball National Tournament. Schurle, a senior middle hitter, earned First Team All-American honors for the second straight season and was also named an NCCAA Scholar-Athlete. Clark, also a middle hitter, received Scholar-Athlete honors for the second consecutive year.

The Thunder had four players earn All-American selections, including senior outside hitter Liv Lubbers, who was named National Player of the Year. Sophomore setter Ellie Suber was also a First Team selection. Head coach Lauren Sanders was named NCCAA National Coach of the Year.

Other Thunder players recognized as Scholar-Athletes included Lubbers, Hannah Beukelman, and Abby Blake. The team opens pool play today against host Ozark Christian College at 1:30 p.m., followed by a 5:30 p.m. match against Faith Baptist Bible College.