PORTLAND, Ore. – Two Central Washington University student-athletes were honored by the Great Northwest Athletic Conference on Monday after standout performances this past weekend as senior women's basketball forward Capri Sims earned the very first GNAC Women's Basketball Player of the Week of the 2026-27 season while sophomore middle blocker Kailey Willsey grabbed GNAC Defensive Volleyball Player of the Week honors. 
 
"Capri has stepped up in so many ways for our team and has been a tremendous leader starting with her actions," CWU Head Women's Basketball Coach Randi Richardson said. "That work for sure showed this opening weekend. Her efficiency speaks for itself. She was an anchor for us on both ends of the floor and her leadership alongside our other two captains helped this young group have enough confidence, execution, and stamina to earn two quality wins. Capri's performance and stat line yesterday against #24 UT Tyler was so impressive, especially given the load we put on her and it being the third game in three days. She stepped up big for our group and I'm so happy for her."
 
Sims began the weekend posting 17 points while adding three rebounds, two assists, and a block in a loss against Minnesota State Moorhead. She went seven for nine from the floor, one for two from three, and was two for three at the free-throw line against the Dragons. She then tacked on 10 points against the Midwestern State Mustangs on day two of the CWU D2 Tip-Off Classic, while adding five rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal. She went four for six from the floor and two for three at the free-throw line to help the 'Cats get their first win of the season. She saved her biggest performance for the last game of the weekend with a dominating first half that eventually saw her earn 23 points while adding seven rebounds, and eight assists while going 11 for 13 from the floor and one for three at the charity stripe. 
 
Over the weekend, Sims averaged 16.7 points per game, five rebounds per game, four assists per game, and added two blocks and a steal. She finished the weekend shooting 78.6 percent from the floor, 25 percent from three, and 55.6 percent at the free-throw line.
 
Sims and the 'Cats will have a week off before they head to Northwest Nazarene to participate in the CCAA-GNAC Crossover in Nampa, Idaho. The 'Cats will first take on the Cal Poly Humboldt Lumberjacks on Friday, Nov. 13 at 4:15 p.m. PST and will wrap up the weekend on Saturday, Nov. 14 at noon PST against the Cal State East Bay Pioneers with both games happening inside the Johnson Sports Center. 

"Kailey is one of the most physical players in the west region, and her ability to change the game with her block was on full display this past week. To come up with 10 blocks against SPU's offense was awesome, and a testament to her preparation for each opponent. Kailey is a student of the game and it is fun to see her put up great numbers in big matches."
 
Willsey anchored the Wildcat defense at the net, piling up 14 total blocks with two solo blocks and 12 assisted blocks across nine sets of action. She averaged 1.56 blocks per set, helping limit the posing attacks while contributing all over the court with 14 digs, four service aces, and 12 kills. 
 
The weekly honor is the latest recognition for the Wildcats that continue to play their best volleyball down the stretch. Willsey's impact was especially evident in key moments throughout the weekend, as her blocking presence disrupted opponents' offensive rhythm and helped fuel two important conference wins. 
 
Central will now turn its attention to its final regular-season road match, traveling to Nampa, Idaho to face Northwest Nazarene (13-9, 7-8 GNAC) on Saturday, Nov. 7 at noon PST. The Wildcats enter the weekend looking to maintain their momentum as the conference title race and postseason picture continue to take shape.
 
Read the full GNAC release HERE