Lindenhurst's Clemens named first-team All-American

Lindenhurst senior setter/outside hitter Emily Clemens became the first girls volleyball player from New York to be named a first-team All-American, according to Lindenhurst coach Kellie Block.

The American Volleyball Coaches Association named Clemens one of the top 24 high school girls players in the nation, and picked her as the No. 1 player from the six-state region of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island.

“I’ve been working for so long in volleyball and when I got named that I was shocked but really happy,” Clemens said. “I realize my hard work paid off.”

Clemens was also invited to participate in the Under Armour All-American Volleyball Match and Skills Competition, which will be held in Louisville, Ky., on Friday. Of the 24 first-team All-Americans competing, Clemens is the only one still uncommitted to a collegiate team next fall. The other 23 players are all committed to play for schools in the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-12 or SEC.

“It’s an awesome accomplishment, and if you look at the girls who are there, it’s quite impressive,” Block said.