LEXINGTON, Ky. – UIC volleyball's Paola Santiago has earned American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) North All-Region Honorable Mention honors, the association announced on Tuesday. Santiago becomes the first Flame to receive the honor since Stephenee Yancy received All-Region status in 2015.

Santiago takes home the accolade after an impressive junior season that included the second Horizon League All-League First Team honor of her career, a spot on the Horizon League All-Tournament Team and three Horizon League Player of the Week awards.

The outside hitter paced UIC's League-leading offense, which led the conference in both hitting percentage (.239) and kills (13.97 per set) in 2021. The Flames finished the 2021 spring season 22nd in the nation in kills per set and 52nd in the nation in hitting percentage.

The junior led the squad in the 2021 spring season with nine doubles, averaging a team-high 3.59 kills per set and 2.91 digs per set, all while hitting .247 (230k-81e-604a) on the season. Santiago finished the 2021 spring campaign ranked second in the conference in kills and fourth in points, averaging 4.06 points per set for UIC. The San Juan, Puerto Rico native also put down 31 blocks and served up 14 aces during the 2021 season.

Santiago joins the ranks of two-time All-Region honoree Yancy (2015 All-Region, 2014 Honorable Mention) as well as 2012 All-Region Honorable Mention honoree MaryKate Imrie and 2006 All-Region Honoree Ambria Springer.