Wildcat Volleyball Stars Earn CSC Academic All-District Honors
Three standout student-athletes from Central Washington University’s women’s volleyball team just landed spots on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Division II Academic All-District Women’s Volleyball Team. It’s a pretty big deal—this award celebrates those rare folks who manage to juggle both school and sports at a high level.
Scottie Ellsworth picked up this honor for the second time. Ellie Marble and Kayleigh-Shay Chang are both first-time recipients.
Honestly, it’s impressive to see that kind of dedication, both on the court and in the classroom.
Meet the Honorees
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These three from Central Washington have really set the bar. Each brings their own flavor and strengths to the team.
Scottie Ellsworth
Scottie Ellsworth, a redshirt senior and outside hitter, stands out for her game and her grades. She’s an AVCA Honorable Mention All-American and a three-time Academic All-GNAC pick.
She’s kept up a sharp 3.99 GPA in Elementary Education. That’s no small feat, especially while playing at such a high level.
Ellie Marble
Junior outside hitter Ellie Marble made her mark this year, earning a spot on the CSC Academic All-District team for the first time. She’s also a First Team All-GNAC honoree.
Her academic record? A perfect 4.0 GPA in Physical Education & School Health. She’s the definition of a well-rounded student-athlete, honestly.
Kayleigh-Shay Chang
Sophomore setter Kayleigh-Shay Chang rounds out the group. She picked up Honorable Mention All-GNAC honors for her play and holds a solid 3.75 GPA—even though she’s still undeclared.
This season, she also got recognized as an Academic All-GNAC honoree. That kind of drive shows up both in class and on the court.
The Significance of the CSC Academic All-District Award
The CSC Academic All-District Women’s Volleyball Team highlights the top student-athletes nationwide for their combined classroom and court performances. It’s all part of the CSC Academic All-America program, which covers NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA.
The whole idea is to shine a light on those who really pull off the tough balancing act—excelling in both academics and athletics.
Path to National Recognition
Ellsworth, Marble, and Chang now move on to the national ballot. CSC members will vote, and the top picks will become Academic All-America honorees.
The results drop on January 13, 2026. It’s a pretty competitive process, but it means the most deserving student-athletes get their moment.
Support from Governing Bodies
The Division II and III CSC Academic All-America programs get some funding from the NCAA’s governance structures. This helps CSC actually deliver the awards and keep the program going.
The NAIA program also gets a boost through its own governance. That financial support really keeps the recognition rolling for student-athletes who’ve earned it.
Central Washington University’s Commitment to Excellence
Central Washington University takes a lot of pride in what its student-athletes achieve, both on the court and in the classroom. The recognition for Ellsworth, Marble, and Chang really says something about the kind of environment CWU creates—one where students can chase after both their academic and athletic goals.
Academic Support and Resources
The university offers plenty of academic support for student-athletes. There’s tutoring, academic advising, and study resources tailored just for them.
That support system is a big reason athletes like Ellsworth, Marble, and Chang can keep their grades up while still competing at a high level.
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Athletic Excellence
On the volleyball side, Central Washington is known for its competitive edge. The success of Ellsworth, Marble, and Chang really reflects the program’s commitment to excellence.
The coaching staff and athletic department don’t just focus on skills—they also want to make sure these athletes are ready for what comes next, whether it’s in sports or another field.
Looking Ahead
The January 13, 2026 announcement of the CSC Academic All-America honorees is coming up fast. Central Washington University—and honestly, the whole community—can’t help but feel a bit of anticipation.
No matter what happens, Ellsworth, Marble, and Chang already made their mark as CSC Academic All-District honorees. That’s no small feat.
These student-athletes really show what’s possible when you care about both books and the game. I mean, it’s not easy to juggle academics and athletics, but they make it look almost doable.
They set the bar high for anyone coming after them at Central Washington University, and probably even for folks watching from other schools. It’s hard not to feel a little inspired.
For more details or if you want to check out the full CSC Academic All-District list, you can visit the official Central Washington University athletics website.