Creekside alum, Embry-Riddle's Jaden McBride named volleyball SSC Freshman of the Year

The Creekside Knights are celebrating another athletic success from an alum as Embry-Riddle's Jaden McBride was named the Sunshine State Conference's volleyball Freshman of the Year.

McBride, who graduated from the St. Johns high school earlier this year, was honored with the conference's award last week after leading the SSC in kills per set (3.86) and points per set (4.47).

"It means a lot to me," McBride said. "All the hard work I put in during my first year has already paid off in big dividends."

The outside hitter, coming off a remarkable high school career, entered Embry-Riddle as one of the program's biggest freshmen contributors.

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Debary native and teammate Cameron Gilleland joined McBride on the All-Freshman team last week. In 27 sets played this fall, McBride recorded 118 kills and 72 digs and was named SSC Offensive Player of the Week in mid-September at the Flagler Saints Classic.

"Knowing that I have come to another level of the sport and still get recognized for my achievements ... it's exciting and confidence boosting," she said.

McBride is the Knights' all-time kills leader (876) and was named the program's MVP all four years. She recorded 926 digs, 144 aces and 87 blocks during her career.

"I love Creekside," she said. "I miss it, but I am glad that I am still close enough to where going back and visiting isn't out of the cards."

This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: NCAA volleyball: Creekside alum Jaden McBride named Freshman of the Year