TCU Volleyball Star Becca Kelley Enters National Player Of Year Race

FORT WORTH - TCU volleyball is building a reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous programs, and senior outside hitter Becca Kelley is making sure the Horned Frogs get plenty of national attention.

Kelley was named Thursday to the 2026 AVCA Division I National Player of the Year Watch List, becoming the second TCU player recognized among the country's top performers.

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The Rockwall, Texas, native joins teammate Evan Hendrix, who earned a spot on the preseason list.

Kelley was one of 16 players added during the midseason announcement, expanding the field of candidates to 46.

And considering her production, it's difficult to argue with the selection.

The 6-foot-3 attacker has delivered 229 kills through TCU's opening matches, averaging 4.24 kills per set while maintaining an impressive .298 hitting percentage.

That places her fifth in the Big 12 in kills per set and establishes her as one of the conference's most consistent offensive threats.

But Kelley hasn't simply been piling up statistics against inferior competition.

She's delivered against nationally ranked opponents, including impressive performances that helped TCU defeat No. 8 SMU and No. 14 Purdue earlier this season.

Those victories earned Kelley her first Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honor of 2026.

She collected the award again in late September after helping the Horned Frogs extend their winning streak to nine matches and open conference play with consecutive victories.

Kelley has also established personal milestones this season, recording a career-high 23 kills against Michigan and 12 digs at Cincinnati.

Her emergence is particularly significant for a TCU program that's climbed into the national top 10.

The Horned Frogs entered this week ranked ninth nationally and riding an 11-match winning streak following victories over Colorado and UCF.

Kelley's recognition also represents unfinished business.

She earned a place on the AVCA watch list during the 2025 season, making this her second consecutive year receiving consideration for the prestigious honor.

Now she's pursuing something bigger.

The AVCA will announce semifinalists in November before revealing its finalists and presenting the national award Dec. 18 in San Antonio.

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For Kelley, the opportunity is clear: Continue producing at an elite level while helping TCU compete for a Big 12 championship and make a serious NCAA Tournament run.

And with two Horned Frogs now receiving national recognition, TCU's rise isn't going unnoticed.