Southern Arkansas University Athletics

Arriving at Southern Arkansas University in 1994 from Wichita Falls, Texas, Elizabeth (Liz) Lewis established herself as one of the most dominant front-row players in program history in her upperclassmen years in the Blue and Gold. A force at the net and a leader in the classroom, Lewis helped elevate Mulerider Volleyball during a highly competitive era while cementing her place among some of the greatest players in the program's history.
 
Opposing attackers routinely found themselves challenged by her presence at the net, where she developed a reputation as one of the premier blockers in the Gulf South Conference. Her ability to disrupt offenses and change the momentum of matches made her one of the most impactful players in the region.
 
The 1996 season proved to be a breakout campaign for Lewis. She earned Gulf South Conference West Division Player of the Year honors after leading the Muleriders with a record-setting performance at the net. That season, she recorded 189 total blocks, establishing a single-season school record, before the rally scoring era of volleyball. Her outstanding play also earned her All-GSC West Division recognition, while her success in the classroom was recognized with selection to the GSC All-Academic Team.
 
Rather than resting on her accomplishments, Lewis followed her award-winning junior season with another exceptional campaign in 1997. She once again earned First Team All-GSC West Division honors and was named to the GSC All-Academic Team, becoming one of the conference’s most complete student-athletes. Her consistent excellence helped provide stability and leadership for the Muleriders while continuing to set the standard for future generations of SAU volleyball players.
 
By the end of her career, Lewis had rewritten the Mulerider record book. She finished with, and still holds, two program records from the side-out scoring system era, as she collected 402 career blocks over her four seasons, along with her single-season record of 189 blocks in 1996.
 
A conference division player of the year, multiple-time all-conference performer, and two-time academic all-conference selection, Liz Lewis left an enduring legacy at Southern Arkansas University. Her excellence as both a student and athlete continues to place her among the most accomplished volleyball players in Mulerider history.