FAIRFAX, Va. – University of Hawai'i setter Jakob Thelle was named the AVCA Player of the Year, becoming the school's fifth recipient and second in the last three seasons.
 
The Tonsberg, Norway native joins former Rainbow Warriors Yuval Katz (1996), Costas Theocharidis (2001, '03), and Rado Parapunov (2021) to receive the distinguished award.
 
Thelle, who earned his second Big West Player of the Year award this season, has helped UH to four NCAA Tournament semifinal appearances. This year, he leads the nation in assists per set (10.73) while directing the nation's second-best offense (.373). Thelle is tied as the program's all-time service ace leader (121) and ranks No. 8 all-time in assists (2,856).
 
Two weeks ago, Thelle helped UH repeat as Big West Tournament champions, and in the process, earned his second straight Most Outstanding Player award. He was one of six Rainbow Warriors to earn both AVCA All-America and All-Big West honors.
 
Thelle and the Rainbow Warriors open the NCAA Tournament with a semifinal round match against Penn State, Thursday at 1:30 p.m. HT.