FROM STAFF REPORTS

Former Pelham High School volleyball standout Whitney Billings, a sophomore at the University of Kentucky, was named a first team All-Southeastern Conference selection Nov. 28.

Billings was one of three Kentucky players on the All-Southeastern Conference first team. Billings is a first-team all-conference selection for the first time in her career after earning a spot on the All-Southeastern Conference freshman team a season ago.

The do-everything player ranks among Kentucky’s leaders in kills per set and digs per frame. Billings averages 2.45 kills per set and 2.59 scoops per stanza, while also charting a career-best 0.67 blocks per frame.

The Helena native totaled seven double-doubles in her sophomore season and posted 10 or more kills in 13 matches.

Billings was named the Shelby County Reporter Player of the Year following her senior season at Pelham.