Edmonson, Braxton named NSCA All-Americans

Mercer University seniors Richie Edmondson of the men’s soccer team and Charlayna Braxton of the women’s volleyball team were both recognized as National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) All-Americans as released by the organization Wednesday afternoon.
 The prestigious national honor is awarded to a select group of collegiate athletes nominated with measurements in the vertical jump, pro-agility run, 40-yard dash, bench press poundage and squat poundage.  Last year, only eight collegiate men’s soccer players and 13 women’s collegiate volleyball players earned the distinction throughout the country.
 Edmondson wrapped a stellar four-year career in the Orange and Black in the fall of 2012, helping the Bears capture their second Atlantic Sun Championship runner-up finish in four seasons. Edmondson appeared in 70 games over his career, including 48 starts, and racked up 32 career points on 11 goals and 10 assists. The Montego Bay, Jamaica native was also named to the A-Sun All-Tournament team as a freshman and voted onto the A-Sun All-Conference second team at the conclusion of his sophomore and senior seasons.
 Braxton played in 69 volleyball matches with Mercer after transferring from UAB.  For Mercer University, Braxton knocked down 319 kills and totaled 158 blocks while leading the Bears to 48 wins and a pair conference tournament appearances.  She also participates in sand volleyball, where she’s posted a pair of match victories this season.
 The NSCA All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year program recognizes those collegiate and high school athletes whose athletic accomplishments, in the opinion of their strength coach, reflect their dedication to strength training and conditioning.
The athletes are also recognized for their academic and personal accomplishments and their integrity as student athletes. Power Systems, Inc. is the official sponsor of the program.