Natalie West Named NAIA Setter of the Week

The Aquinas College standout earned national honors after leading her team to three consecutive victories.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Volleyball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a volleyball setter in mid-air motion, capturing the intensity of collegiate match play. — Aquinas College setter Natalie West was named the NAIA Setter of the Week after orchestrating three consecutive victories for the Saints. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Natalie West has been named the PrestoSports NAIA Women's Volleyball Setter of the Week for October 2026. The recognition follows a dominant week where she led Aquinas College to a perfect 3-0 record.

Why it matters

The honor highlights West's exceptional performance in directing the Aquinas College offense, which secured key victories against Cornerstone, Spring Arbor, and Indiana Wesleyan.

West recorded 129 total assists, averaging 9.92 per set throughout the week. She also contributed 17 kills on a .395 hitting percentage, 25 digs, 11 blocks, and 3 service aces.

The players

Natalie West

She is a collegiate volleyball player for Aquinas College who earned national weekly honors.

Aquinas College

This is a liberal arts college based in Grand Rapids that competes in NAIA athletics.

NAIA

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is the governing body for small college athletics in North America.

The details

During the week, West recorded 36 assists against Cornerstone, 53 against Spring Arbor, and 40 against Indiana Wesleyan. Her performance was instrumental in the team's successful three-game sweep of their opponents.

Natalie West earned the weekly honor in October 2026.
The award recognition was officially announced on October 6, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This award cycle acknowledges individual excellence within the competitive NAIA landscape throughout the season. The performance bolsters the standing of Aquinas College as they navigate their conference schedule and compete for post-season positioning.

West reached a high of 53 assists in a single match during the team's 3-0 winning streak. Her efficiency on a .395 hitting percentage provides a measurable impact on the offensive production and overall success of the Aquinas College roster.

The takeaway

Consistent offensive leadership from a setter is a primary driver of sustained team success in competitive volleyball. High assist-to-set ratios coupled with efficient hitting percentages often serve as the strongest indicators of team synergy.