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USU Eastern volleyball coach Danielle Jensen has been named the American Volleyball Coaches Association Coach of the Year for all two-year schools in the Western United States, it was announced Wednesday morning.

Entering her fifth season at the helm in 2021, Jensen’s Lady Eagles earned a top-five ranking nationally with a record of 25-7 overall and the program’s first appearance in the NJCAA National Tournament.

“It’s nice to see the recognition because it shows the progress that we’ve made,” said Jensen in a phone interview Wednesday afternoon. “It is a neat award and a true testament to the hard work that we have all put into it.”

Jensen is one of nine coaches to receive the AVCA 2021 honor. All two-year schools are divided into four separate regions and voted on by the region representatives. Jensen shares the Western Region honor with Snow College head coach Jeff Reynolds, who led the Badgers to a 26-3 record and the No. 3 national ranking.

Jensen has gathered a record of 97-53 in five seasons as head coach. USU Eastern has enjoyed an increase in winning percentage each of the last five years and has now been ranked inside the top 20 two consecutive seasons.

“I’m just a small piece of the puzzle and I couldn’t do it without my two assistants Calvin Jensen and Nesreen Iskandrani,” Jensen said. “It goes all the way down to the players and how hard they work, as well as the administration and the support we get. I just feel like our athletic department as a whole has a great relationship.”

Members of the AVCA include collegiate, high school, club, youth and Olympic coaches, as well as volleyball club directors. The AVCA provides education to volleyball coaches, recognition of elite players and coaches, promotion of volleyball competitions throughout the world, and networking opportunities for volleyball products and services providers.