The Amateur Athletic Union's James E. Sullivan Award honors an outstanding amateur American athlete, who also embodies the qualities of leadership, character, and sportsmanship.

Four-time All-American setter Lauren Carlini fits that description to a T, and the AAU agreed, naming her the recipient of the award in a ceremony at the New York Athletic Club on Tuesday, April 11.

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"I'm honored to be the first volleyball player to win this award," Carlini said. "Volleyball is growing and gaining popularity, so I hope this kind of keeps it going."

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The other finalists for the Sullivan Award included Kayla Harrison (judo), Ashleigh Johnson (water polo), Kyle Snyder (wrestling), Ginny Thrasher (air rifle), and Laurie Hernandez and Aly Raisman (gymnastics).

James E. Sullivan was the founder of the AAU and the award in his name has been presented annually since 1930.

After graduation this spring, Carlini will move to California to train full-time with the U.S. Women's National Team.