BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Bethune-Cookman setter Alisha Callender has been named to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Preseason First Team, announced Friday afternoon by the league office from its headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama.
 
As a team, Bethune-Cookman was picked to finish fourth in the preseason poll, as voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information directors.
 
Callendar, a 5-foot-8 junior from Dorado, Puerto Rico, arrived at B-CU prior to the start of the 2022 season from Monroe College. In her first season playing for the Maroon and Gold, Callendar led the Wildcats and finished third in the league with 602 assists, averaging 6.08 assists per set. She served up a team-high 32 aces, placing her in the top 15 of the conference. She also finished second on the team in digs (230).
 
After finishing the 2022 campaign sixth in the final standings at 8-8, the Wildcats were picked to finish fourth in the league with 117 points. Florida A&M (160) was voted to win the league, followed by Alabama State (149) and Jackson State (118), respectively.
 
Brooke Lynn Watts of FAMU earned Preseason Player of the Year accolades, while Alabama State's Taila Gaines was tabbed Preseason Blocker of the Year. Preseason Libero of the Year is Brooke Hudson of FAMU, and Preseason Setter of the Year is Ana Calderon of Grambling State.
 
The Wildcats begin the season August 25 welcoming The Citadel and Marshall to Moore Gymnasium for the Bash at the Beach hosted by B-CU.
 
Follow Bethune-Cookman Volleyball on Twitter (@BCUVolleyball) and Instagram (@BCUVolleyball) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUAthletics), Instagram (@BCU_Athletics) and BCUathletics.com.