CALDWELL, Idaho – No. 9 The College of Idaho middle blocker
Cora Young has been named the NAIA National Women's Volleyball Defender of the Week, the national office announced Tuesday, after a dominant weekend performance that helped the Yotes remain unbeaten and atop the Cascade Collegiate Conference standings.
Young adds the national honor after earning CCC Defender of the Week recognition on Monday, becoming the latest Yote to receive national accolades during the program's historic start to the 2026 season.
The senior was a game-changing force at the net in conference victories over No. 18 Southern Oregon and Oregon Tech. Young recorded 16 total blocks, averaging 1.78 blocks per set, while helping The College of Idaho extend its winning streak to 11 matches.
In addition to her defensive impact, Young contributed offensively with 16 kills and led the Yotes' primary attackers with a .300 hitting percentage across the two matches.
Her presence at the net proved pivotal as The College of Idaho limited two conference contenders and continued its undefeated run through the opening month of the season. Young consistently disrupted opposing attacks while providing an efficient scoring option for a Yote offense that has powered the program to the best start in school history.
Young has been a cornerstone of a Yote squad that sits at 11-0 overall and 4-0 in Cascade Conference play, helping The College of Idaho establish itself among the NAIA's top programs early in the season.
The Yotes return to action this weekend for a pair of key conference matchups against No. 4 Corban University (Ore.) and Bushnell University (Ore.).
