CALDWELL, Idaho – The College of Idaho softball program has been recognized with the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Team of Character Award, while junior first baseman Lena Zahniser has earned the league's Individual Champion of Character Award for 2025. The honors highlight a year defined not only by on-field performance but by exceptional leadership, service, and community engagement.
The CCC Team of Character Award is presented annually to a team that exemplifies the NAIA's Five Core Values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. College of Idaho softball embodies these values in everything they do, demonstrating what it means to be student-athletes who lead with compassion and character.
The Yotes' presence is felt far beyond the diamond. On campus, they are known for supporting events across the College of Idaho, volunteering to staff games, clean facilities, and assist with event operations. Their efforts often go unseen, but their impact is significant.
In the Caldwell community, the team's outreach includes volunteering with the Youth Softball Organization, GALS (Girls Athletic League Softball), and hosting a Youth Softball Celebration Weekend, where young players attend a Yotes game and engage with college athletes.
This past year, the team also hosted a First Responders Appreciation Night, took part in Trunk-or-Treat with the Caldwell Police Department, and played a leading role in organizing a Special Olympics Field Day, creating a memorable day of inclusion and joy for over 300 local students with special needs.
Mental health awareness remains a priority for the program, as the Yotes continue to support The Hidden Opponent, an organization dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding athlete mental health. The team devoted an entire weekend series to advocacy and education around this cause.
Perhaps one of their most memorable contributions came through bringing Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch to campus for a youth clinic. The team made the event accessible through scholarships provided to local players who otherwise wouldn't have the chance to attend.
At the heart of many of these initiatives is Lena Zahniser, the CCC's Individual Champion of Character Award recipient. A junior from Bend, Oregon, Zahniser is double-majoring in Mathematics and Accounting (150-hour track) and serves as Vice President of the Association of Student Athletes at the College of Idaho.
Zahniser has led efforts across campus and the community. She co-founded "Yoties," a campus-wide celebration of student-athletes that brought together more than 400 attendees from every varsity program for a first-of-its-kind event, complete with season highlight videos, award presentations, and community celebration.
Her service resume is extensive. Zahniser co-organized the Special Olympics Field Day, spearheaded a holiday food drive that collected over 1,200 pounds of food, and serves as a mentor in the expanding Legacy Program, which encourages youth service in local schools. Her dedication to creating a culture of inclusion, generosity, and inspiration has made her a leader well beyond the lines of play.
Together, the College of Idaho softball team and Lena Zahniser exemplify what it means to lead with purpose. These honors serve as a reflection of their shared commitment to service, community, and character.
