Miramar MVB's Bird named to first-ever AVCA Two-Year College Men's Volleyball Sophomores to Watch List
2021 AVCA TYC Watch list: https://www.avca.org/newsletters/at-the-net/1.21.2021-special-edition.html
Miramar MVB sophomore Slater Bird was named to the inaugural American Volleyball Coaches' Association (AVCA) Two-Year College Men's Volleyball Sophomores to Watch List, it was announced earlier this Spring semester.
Bird was one of five men's players selected from the California Community College Athletics Association, and 15 players selected overall across all men's and women's volleyball across the country at the two-year level.
“As the 2019 CIF-San Diego Section player of the year, Slater is the most accomplished recruit we’ve ever had at Miramar,” Miramar MVB head coach John Landicho remarked. “He has been what we expected and more. Slater’s production and talent on court is matched by his work ethic and dedication off the court. This dedication also shows in the classroom, where he carries a perfect 4.0 GPA. He is most deserving to be honored as one of the first CCCAA men’s volleyball players recognized by the AVCA.”
In 2020, Bird played in all 9 matches the Jets played before the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. He lead the team to a 7-2 record and a #5 state ranking, while posting 101 kills, a 2.29 passer rating, 46 digs, and 12 blocks.
"The California Community College Men's Volleyball Coaches Association is thrilled to partner with the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) for the first-ever group of men's volleyball student-athletes to be nominated to the AVCA Two-Year College Sophomores to Watch program," said Landicho in the AVCA release. Also the CCCMVCA President, Landicho continued "The 2YC Sophomores to Watch list has been a great way to highlight our top two-year college players throughout the nation, and the addition of men's players is reflective of the growth of boy's and men's volleyball in the United States."
Bird will complete his studies at Miramar this Spring, and transfer to UC Santa Barbara to continue his academic career.