CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The NJCAA announced its first Weekly Award winners of the 2023-24 season on Wednesday and Gulf Coast State College's Izzy Denton was named the Division II Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week.

Denton, a sophomore defensive specialist from Houston, Texas, averaged 5.4 digs over 20 sets (and five matches) during the opening week and a half of the 2023-24 season. 

She led Gulf Coast State to a 4-1 start, including three wins in four matches - all against nationally-ranked opponents - at the Opening Weekend Tournament. 

Denton recorded at least 16 digs in all five matches, including 28 vs. Grand Rapids (Mich.) Community College and 27 vs. Parkland (Ill.) College. 

Denton was named NJCAA Region 8 Division II Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday.