BIDDEFORD, Maine -- University of New England volleyball player Claire Varner has been chosen The Commonwealth Coast Conference Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year in the TCCC's announcement of major awards winners and all-conference selections released by TCCC Sports Information Coordinator Matt Pettinicchi this morning (Nov. 3).

In addition to being selected TCCC Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year, Varner was voted honorable mention all-conference, as were teammates Ellen Choinski and Kristen Edwards.

Varner, an outside hitter from Breckenridge, Mich., carries a 3.78 cumulative grade point average as a history and education double major. She has earned a spot on the Dean's List six consecutive semesters and has been recognized as a member of the TCCC all-academic team, as well as an inductee into the Alpha Chi National Student-Athlete Honor Society. On the court, Varner is a three-time all-conference selection. During the 2009 regular season, she was fifth in attack percentage (.269) among TCCC players and seventh in kills per set (2.43).

Choinski, a senior setter from Saunderstown, R.I., repeats as an all-conference choice after averaging 7.04 digs and 2.81 digs per set. She was second on the team in service aces (29) and third in attack percentage (.225).

A junior from Laconia, N.H., Edwards had a breakout season for the Nor'easters. She led the team in attack percentage (.270) and total kills (183) during the regular season while finishing third in total blocks (29). Edwards ranked fourth in the TCCC in attack percentage and sixth in kills per set.

The Nor'easters (11-15 overall) finished 6-4 in conference play to earn the fifth seed for the TCCC Championship. UNE travels to Roger Williams University this evening for a quarterfinal-round match beginning at 7 p.m.

For a complete listing of the major award winners and all-conference teams, click here.