BOSTON, Mass. (April 14, 2026) – Emerson College senior defensive specialist Semaj' Byrd has earned a spot on the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) All-Sportsmanship Team for the third-straight year the Conference office announced.
Byrd is the first Emerson men's volleyball student-athlete to be named to the GNAC's All-Sportsmanship Team three-straight years. He appeared in 15 matches for the Lions this spring and ranked second on the team with 1.61 digs per set – tied for 11th among GNAC leaders. Byrd notched a season-best 11 digs in a five-set match up with Vermont State University Johnson on January 31.
Byrd appeared in 86 matches over his Emerson career and totaled 381 digs, averaging 1.32 per set, with 29 service aces. He finished his career with nine career double digit dig matches, including a career-best 16 in a four-set win over Rivier University in 2025.
Emerson finished its 2026 season with a 4-14 record overall, including a 1-6 mark in its final season as a member of the GNAC before the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) adds men's volleyball starting next season.
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