-Story by Muskingum Athletics Communication Department 

Muskingum University senior All-American and All-Ohio Athletic Conference volleyball setter Erin Dickson is an exceptional student-athlete.

Dickson, a child and family studies major with pre-social work and criminal justice minors, was honored last year with American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Honorable Mention All-American accolades and was named First Team All-OAC and to the AVCA Division III Great Lakes All-Region Team. Her stellar play on the court helped guide the Muskies to a share of the OAC Regular-Season Championship for the first time since 1999 and their 10th appearance in the NCAA Division III Volleyball Tournament, where the Muskies advanced to the Regional Semifinals. Muskingum finished the season 27-4 overall and ranked 14th in the final AVCA Top 25 Poll.

“Erin’s work ethic, both on and off the court, provides a great standard for the Muskingum volleyball team,” said Muskingum volleyball Head Coach Hallie Cruzen. “Her “lead by example” demeanor is what we value most about her.”

Dickson directed the Muskie attack last season with a team-best 979 assists, averaging 9.32 assists per set. She also tallied 84 kills, 220 digs, and 26 total blocks. Dickson currently ranks fourth all-time at Muskingum in career assists with 2,948.

Dickson’s success in the classroom has led to her receiving Academic All-OAC accolades and helped propel the Muskingum volleyball team to achieving the highest Athletic Department team grade-point-average last year. 

“She has great attention to detail and strives for perfection, which is why she is an excellent student and an All-American,” said Cruzen. “We could not be more proud of Erin and all that she has accomplished.”

Dickson is also active on campus and in the New Concord community. She is a member of the Muskingum Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Lambda Sigma National Honor Society. Within the community, Dickson has volunteered at the New Concord College Drive Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, with the Kappa Sigma Military Heroes Campaign and has worked at numerous volleyball youth camps and clinics.

Dickson credits her foundation of success as a student-athlete and involvement in the Muskingum community to being a Muskie. “To me, being a student-athlete at Muskingum means not being afraid to push yourself to overcome challenges that are thrown your way. Expanding your comfort level and trying new things helps you improve on the court, in the classroom, and as a person. As Muskies, we are given opportunities to prove to ourselves and others that we are capable of great things.”