AVCA National Player Of The Week Release

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY -- Cal State LA's Samarah DaCoud has earned an amazing accomplishment early in her Golden Eagle career.

DaCoud was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division II Women's Player of the Week, the organization announced on Tuesday. She became only the seventh player in program history and just the second since 2016 to earn national Player of the Week recognition. She is just the fourth to win the award since 2003.

"Im very proud of Samarah and the player she is becoming," Cal State LA head coach Juan Figueroa said. "I think she's already one of the best players in the conference. I love how she's developing and getting better and becoming an impact player. Last year, she was good for a freshman and now she is even better. She's great for our team on the court with her leadership and also off the court. I'm very happy and looking forward to a very bright future for her."

Emily Elliott won the weekly award on Oct. 22, 2024 to become the first player since Alma Serna in 2016 to earn national honors for Cal State LA and DaCoud now gives the Golden Eagles winners in back-to-back years. Iona Lofrano won the award on Sept. 24, 2015, Te'Ara Epps won it on Oct. 20, 2003, Kristy Sain won it on Oct. 14, 2002 and Kasey Jungwirth was the first to win it on Sept. 11, 2000.

DaCoud led the way to another 2-0 week in California Collegiate Athletic Association play for the Golden Eagles, who improved to 6-0 in conference play and 10-3 overall. DaCoud led the conference on the weekend with two double-doubles and averages of 5.75 kills and 6.19 points per set. She added 3.25 digs per set, three assists, and two aces, while registering a .406 hitting percentage. 

DaCoud put up back-to-back 23-kill performances, starting in a win at Cal State San Marcos on Thursday. She posted 23 kills and 14 digs in four sets to lead the Golden Eagles past the Cougars. She added 23 kills and 12 digs in another double-double performance in a four-set home win over Chico State on Saturday. 

DaCoud ranks second in the CCAA and 18th in NCAA Division II with 4.14 kills per set. She is also 18th with 4.72 points per set.

Cal State LA will return to action with a pair of road matches this weekend at UC Merced on Friday at 5 p.m. and Stanislaus State on Sunday at 2 p.m.