CORVALLIS, Ore. – College of Idaho junior Keylee Wilson was named a recipient of the 2025 Cashell Family Impact Scholarship, becoming the first Yote student-athlete to earn the honor, the Cascade Collegiate Conference announced.
Wilson, a Melba, Idaho native, was selected alongside Bushnell University senior Ty Kishen as the conference's female honoree. Established in 2023 through a gift from CCC Commissioner Robert Cashell and his family, the Cashell Family Impact Scholarship is awarded annually to one male and one female student-athlete who have made a significant and positive impact on their campuses.
A member of both the Yotes' volleyball and beach volleyball programs, Wilson has served as a team captain and Association of Student Athletes representative while consistently modeling servant leadership, resilience, and compassion.
Early in 2025, Wilson underwent two surgeries to repair both hip labrums, sidelining her for the beach volleyball season. Despite being unable to compete, she remained fully engaged with her teams, attending every practice, offering encouragement, and helping in any way possible.
"Keylee's impact on our program cannot be measured," said College of Idaho head volleyball coach and Senior Woman Leader Liz Mendiola. "In my 25 years of coaching, I have truly never seen an athlete put her team first the way she does. She has experienced a year filled with challenges, yet you would never know it by the grace, positivity, and genuine joy she brings every day."
Wilson's leadership extended well beyond the court. This past summer, she was selected to attend a Jae Foundation retreat focused on mental health and suicide prevention. The experience helped shape her leadership approach, and throughout the season she helped foster open dialogue and a safe, supportive environment for her teammates.
She also participated in the Be the Match campaign and learned she was a compatible stem cell donor. In August, Wilson completed the donation process, demonstrating extraordinary selflessness and a deep sense of responsibility to others.
"Keylee is more than just a teammate; she is a mentor who puts everyone before herself," said teammate Abigail Flerchinger. "Her joy, strength, and integrity have made a lasting impact on me and everyone around her."
A junior majoring in elementary education, Wilson exemplifies the values of service, leadership, and character that define the Cashell Family Impact Scholarship.
