Brenna DeYoung, Utah’s senior middle blocker, is only two seasons removed from transferring to the U from Snow College, but she has already made a name for herself.
Brenna DeYoung played her freshman and sophomore seasons at Snow, a junior college with an enrollment of around 4,000 students. As a sophomore there, DeYoung averaged 1.24 blocks per set in 27 matches. She was named to the All-Region First Team, the All-Tournament Team and ranked 7th in the NJCAA blocking rankings.
After her great two-year showing at SC, Utah brought DeYoung into its program. This jump from a two-year college in Ephraim, Utah to a Pac-12 school was a huge transition for DeYoung that took some time to get used to. Coming from a junior college straight to the Pac-12, the competitive level was a huge jump.
“That took an adjustment,” DeYoung said.
This adjustment was worth it, though. DeYoung fell in love with the program at Utah, and she has two main reasons why she chose to be a Ute.
“It’s close to home, and I wanted to play at the highest level I could, and so the idea of playing in the Pac-12 was really encouraging,” DeYoung said. “I felt comfortable here and was excited to play here.”
She got her wish to play in a tough conference, but not so much at first. In her first season as a Ute, DeYoung didn’t play into the rotation much, only making an appearance in nine matches. In those matches, she averaged 0.76 blocks per set, to go along with 0.71 kills per set.
This season, with the departure of last year’s seniors, DeYoung has been given consistent time on the court, and her numbers have jumped. She has played in all 10 of the team’s matches, racking up the blocks and improving her kill numbers to 1.41 and 1.18 per set, respectively.
Added to her growing list of accomplishments was a Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week award in early September. DeYoung outperformed a long list of talented players in the Pac-12 in a week where she recorded 30 total blocks. Sophomore outside hitter Eliza Katoa was excited for her teammate after she received the award.
“I definitely congratulated her,” Katoa said. “That’s a big deal to make a name for yourself in the Pac-12. That’s good for our team, and it’s a really big deal for her. Those blocks are crucial for our team.”
Even though she earned this award with her effort and hard work, DeYoung still won’t quit. She has a drive to continually get better with every game.
“I definitely want to work on being more of an offensive threat,” DeYoung said. “I’m [also] looking to help my other blockers so we can be a united front on the front row.”
That drive is what will ultimately propel DeYoung to potentially great heights this season. As she looks to round out her game, DeYoung has already made an impact with the other players on the team, and Katoa has seen her grow into a role where other players look up to her.
“Brenna is a really outgoing and energetic player,” Katoa said. “I think she brings a lot of energy and fire to the team. She’s a good leader.”
DeYoung has the drive and work ethic to continue as a permanent fixture of Utah’s front line, and the Utes will need her with a tough Pac-12 schedule looming on the horizon.
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