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SIDNEY — The Montcalm Community College volleyball team reached new heights in 2026, and the postseason accolades reflect the success.
The Michigan Community College Athletic Association named four Centurion volleyball players to its postseason All-Conference teams while also recognizing head coach Kara Youngs, who was awarded the MCCAA Northern Conference Coach of the Year. Youngs led the team to an overall record of 11-17 while finishing 6-6 in their conference. This year also marked the first postseason victory for the Centurions, defeating Terra State in straight sets in the opening round of the NJCAA Region XII Great Lakes District B Tournament.
"It is truly an honor to receive Coach of the Year," Youngs said. "I share this recognition with my assistant coaches and players because none of this success happens alone. The dedication, commitment, and hard work of this team, along with the support of my coaching staff, are what made this season so special. I am incredibly grateful to be part of this program and proud of what we have accomplished together and to take this into seasons to come."
The team's most decorated player was sophomore Erin Borek (Grand Rapids, Mich.), who was named to First Team All-Conference, the All MCCAA Team and the Region XII Division II All-Region Team. Borek made a large impact in the service game, recording a team-high 86 service aces while also leading the team in digs with 448. She also added 108 kills, showcasing her versatility as an offensive and defensive stalwart for the Centurions.
"Erin served as a team captain this season and played all six rotations, making an impact in every aspect of the game," Youngs said. "She contributed both offensively and defensively, making her a versatile and valuable player for our program. Statistically, she finished in the top five in the state in two different categories, showcasing just how impactful she was throughout the season."
Freshman Ayanna Sanders (Caledonia, Mich.) made an immediate impact for the Centurions since stepping onto campus, becoming the top attacker for the team. For her efforts, Sanders was named Second Team All-Conference, ending her season with a team-high 217 kills and 236 points, along with finishing third on the team in total blocks with 28.
"Ayanna led our team in kills this season while also providing a strong blocking presence at the net," Youngs said. "She consistently stepped up in big moments, delivering key kills when our team needed them most. Her offensive power and impact at the net made her an important part of our success this season."
Receiving Honorable Mention All-Conference accolades were sophomores Jocee Pleune (Grant, Mich.) and Andie Bennett (Reed City, Mich.). Pleune stepped up defensively for the Centurions late in the season and it resulted in success on the court. Pleune was second on the team in digs with 385 and second in receptions with 394.
"Jocee transitioned into the libero position mid-season and quickly made her mark defensively, earning back-to-back Northern Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors," Youngs said. "She brought consistency, stability, and confidence to our back row, becoming a key piece of our defensive success."
Bennett provided leadership and balance for the Centurions, amassing 89 kills, 304 receptions, 171 digs, 20 service aces, 13 total blocks and 117.5 total points.
"Andie served as a team captain this season and worked her way into the starting lineup as a six-rotation player," Youngs said. "She contributed offensively in the front row while providing a strong and reliable presence defensively in the back row. Her work ethic, determination, and consistently vocal leadership made her an important part of our team."