University of Delaware student-athletes Wes Hills and Chandler Bryant were recently honored as All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Hills, a rising junior and running back on the Blue Hen football team, and Bryant, a middle hitter for the volleyball team and a 2016 UD graduate, were honored as Delaware’s male and female award recipients. They were nominated by Ted Perlak, UD assistant athletic director for strength and conditioning.

The NSCA All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year Award program recognizes those collegiate and high school athletes whose athletic accomplishments reflect their dedication to strength and conditioning. These athletes are also recognized for their academic and personal accomplishments and their integrity as student-athletes.

Hills, a criminal justice major from Wildwood, New Jersey, returns to the lineup this fall after missing all but the season opener last year with an injury. He rushed for 88 yards and posted two tackles on special teams against Jacksonville before suffering the injury.

Hills re-joins an outstanding UD backfield unit this fall as the Blue Hens look to return to the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision tournament. He ran for a team-high 952 yards and six touchdowns and made seven special teams tackles as a sophomore in 2014.

“Wes is a constant worker,” said Perlak. “He is in the building more than any student-athlete I have ever met. His actions are contagious and he leads by example. Any school would love to have Wesley Hills associated with them and we are glad to have him here at Delaware.”

Bryant, a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, earned her degree in psychology in May. A four-year standout on the volleyball squad and a 2015 team co-captain, she led the team to two Colonial Athletic Association tournament appearances during her career and earned all-tournament honors five times, including being named the Delaware Invitational most valuable player in 2015.

An honor student, she played in all 113 sets during the 2015 season and ranked sixth in the CAA with a team-leading .296 hitting percentage. She also totaled 794 kills, 343 blocks, 153 digs, and 29 aces for her career.

“Chandler was the pillar of the team within the strength and conditioning program,” said Perlak. “She had tremendous lifting technique and had great numbers as a result of her focus, determination, and talents as an athlete. Chandler showed great leadership and was truly an elite teammate.”

For more on UD Athletics, see BlueHens.com.