Anchante Named NJCAA D1 Volleyball Player of the Year

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - For the second season in a row, Iowa Western's Yadhira Anchante was named the 2021 D1 Volleyball Player of the Year as announced by the NJCAA.  The sophomore setter from Lima, Peru, took home the honor for the second time in her career after helping the team to a 33-4 record and the team's second national title this calendar year.  Anchante was also the 2020-21 Player of the Year after the team brought home the program's first national title since 2006.

A helping force on the court, Anchante led the nation with 11.34 assists per set and was second in the country with 1,554 assists.  In four games at the national tournament, she racked up 186 assists including 50+ in both the national semi-final and final matches.  Additionally, she added 94 total blocks, 477 digs, and a .261 hitting percentage. Her 2,441 career assists are good for 5th place all-time in Iowa Western history.

"Yadhira has been such a special player for us the last two seasons," said Iowa Western head coach Alicia Williams. "She is more than deserving of this award. Her unwavering consistency, high IQ, selflessness, and competitive drive make her one of the best athletes to walk through Iowa Western's doors. We are so thrilled for her!"

A two-time NJCAA first-team All-American and two-time ICCAC All-Region selection, Anchante was also named the ICCAC Player of the Year for the second time this calendar year.  In addition to her athletic achievements, she has also earned high marks in the classroom, being named to the 2020-21 NJCAA All-Academic first team last year.