It was recently announced by the California Community College Athletics Association (CCCAA) and the California Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA) that sophomore outside hitter Sarah Miller (Long Beach, CA) of the women's volleyball team has been selected as the Female Athlete of the Month for the month of September for all sports following her dominating performances on the hardwood.

Miller, a former volleyball player at California State University Long Beach, is the first LBCC athlete in over two years to win this prestigious award. The last athlete to win the award dates back to May of 2014.

The sophomore sensation is feared around the South Coast Conference (SCC) and the CCCAA after putting up massive numbers in the month of September and continuing on into October. So far this season, Miller has racked up 209 kills for a 4.98 kill-per-set average and a .398 kill percentage. Miller leads the South Coast Conference with her kills-per-set mark and hitting percentage. She is ranked second in total kills and third in digs-per-set (3.48).

Additionally, the Long Beach native has racked up double-digit kills in 10 games this campaign with a season-high 29 kills coming in a five-set nail biter against El Camino.

"I feel honored to receive this award," expressed Miller. "It's mainly a team effort. Without the support of my teammates, I would not be recognized."

Miller has set the tone for the team as a whole by her prowess in numerous areas of the game, and her success is credited to the preparation she puts individual and with her teammates in practice.

"Communication with my teammates is key and making sure we are all on the same page," commented Miller.

The Vikings have been in the rankings since week two of competition and Miller has been a huge part of their success. At this point last season, the Vikings were 3-12 with no homes of hauling in a conference title. Currently, they post a reversed overall mark at 12-3 with high expectations.

"As long as we keep working hard in practice, our main goal is to win and give Misty [May-Treanor] a great start to this program."

This year has been a great success for Miller through the first 15 games and the ceiling has yet to be reached in terms of her future endeavors.

"I would like to play at the next level again," said Miller. "And again, to help Misty out. She's a great coach and she has taught me a lot."

Miller looks to lead her team to a conference championship for the first time since 2000. It picks up again Friday, October 21 against Mt. San Antonio at 6 p.m. at home.