DeWalt, Dinwiddie, Huskey sweep Sun Belt specialty awards

The Bobcats had their fingerprints all over the 2019 Sun Belt preseason awards on Tuesday, claiming everything but nine spots on the all-conference team.

Texas State was unanimously picked to win the West Division in the Coaches Poll with 72 points and all 12 first-place votes. Coastal Carolina was voted to win the East Division with 67 points and seven first-place votes.

“I love the respect that our program has, and it is deserving,” head coach Karen Chisum said in a statement, “But on the other hand, I hate it honestly, just as any coach. It just puts a target on our back. But again, the kids are deserving, the program is deserving of it, and we just have to step forward and defend our title. I am looking forward to the season, to say the least.”

The Sun Belt also handed out each of its specialty awards to Bobcats. Sophomore Emily DeWalt, who was named 2018’s Freshman and Setter of the Year, is expected to reclaim her title as the 2019 Preseason Setter of the Year. Senior defensive specialist Micah Dinwiddie was named the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year for the second season in a row. And senior outside hitter Cheyenne Huskey became the first Texas State player in program history to be named the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

The trio, along with sophomore outside hitter Janell Fitzgerald — who was also selected to the 2018 All-Sun Belt First Team — were all named to the 2019 Preseason All-Sun Belt Team.

“My excitement level is high concerning fall camp,” Chisum said. “I am glad our freshman class have been on campus now for five weeks; it has been great getting to know them better. The chemistry of this group as a whole is very strong and the kids are pleased with what they have been doing. We will see Monday if they have been working as hard as they have been saying, but it is an exciting time. I tell my staff that if I am here I want the kids to be here with me. That is why I am here, so, I am ready to get going and with the other fall sports arriving and practicing, the atmosphere is getting more and more exciting every day.”

The Bobcats’ first practice takes place Aug. 12. They’ll begin the 2019 season inside Strahan Arena, hosting Liberty and USC on Aug. 30 at noon and 7 p.m., respectively.