SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College junior outside hitter Karla Melendez has been named the 2025 River States Conference Player of the Year, the league announced Thursday.

Melendez, who was also selected as a First Team All-River States Conference honoree, becomes the first player in SMWC women's volleyball history to earn a postseason specialty award from the conference. Her recognition marks a historic milestone for the program following a 30-5 season and advancement to the RSC Tournament Semifinals.

A four-time RSC Attacker of the Week, Melendez delivered one of the most dominant two-way performances in the NAIA this season. Across 30 matches and 97 sets, she totaled 380 kills (3.92 per set) on a .283 hitting percentage, while adding 49 service aces, 22 assists, 279 digs (2.88 per set), and 43 total blocks. She led the team with 461.5 total points (4.76 per set) and finished with a stellar .959 reception percentage on 465 total attempts.

Melendez recorded double-digit kills in 25 matches, including standout efforts with 24 kills against IU-Southeast, 23 versus Shawnee State, and 17 in the RSC Quarterfinal victory over Shawnee State. Her combination of power, consistency, and six-rotation skill made her the focal point of one of the league's most balanced and efficient offenses.

Her Player of the Year honor capped a record-breaking season for SMWC, which placed five players on the All-RSC Teams, including fellow First Team honorees Masa Pesic and Aden Britt, Second Team selection Leishmarie Virella, and Third Team recipient Evelyn Morales.

Melendez joins the following 2025 RSC specialty award winners:

• Coach of the Year: Heather Hayes, IU Kokomo

• Assistant Coach of the Year: Sarah Morin, IU Kokomo

• Attacker of the Year: Lexi Broyles, IU Kokomo

• Defender of the Year: Ella Bickel, IU East

• Setter of the Year: Elle McLoughlin, Rio Grande

• Freshman of the Year: Noema Philistin-Lynch, IU East

• Player of the Year: Karla Melendez, SMWC

The No. 2-seeded Pomeroys will face Rio Grande in the River States Conference Tournament Semifinals on Friday, November 14 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) in Kokomo, Ind.