Jess Mruzik was rewarded for her role in helping the USA win the Egypt 2019 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U18 World Championship when she was named USA Volleyball's National Volleyball Player of the Year.

The award is given to high school athletes for outstanding athletic excellence, high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field.

The 17-year-old is now in line for the Female High School Athlete of the Year award, which will be announced in July, by which time she will be playing and studying at the University of Michigan.

“There have been so many great college athletes and volleyball players and amazing people who have won this award before me, just to be even considered for this award is such an unreal experience,” Mruzik said.

“This is definitely the best way possible to cap off my high school career and hopefully keep it rolling as I go to Michigan.”

The USA’s gold was the first in any age-grade World Championship in either gender.

Mruzik was named Most Valuable Player in Egypt and scored 16 points when the USA defeated Italy 3-2 in the gold medal match.

“She was certainly a key part of the USA U-18 team winning the FIVB World Championship,” USA coach Jim Stone said. “What the general public does not see is the work ethic that Jess displays on a daily basis, along with her commitment to team success.

“I am 100 per cent confident that Jess will continue her high level of play in her collegiate career, along with participation in future USA programs.”