Ana Clara Valentim do Vale was named the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Defender of the Week after setting a St. Thomas University Women’s Volleyball single-game record with 15 total blocks.
Valentim do Vale reached the mark during St. Thomas University’s 3-0 victory over Webber International in the team’s home opener on September 4, 2026, in Miami Gardens. She assisted on 14 blocks and added one solo block as St. Thomas University held Webber International to a minus-.041 hitting percentage.
The honor marked the first National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Defender of the Week recognition for St. Thomas University under Head Coach Whitney Battoe. St. Thomas University was ranked No. 21 with a 5-5 record and a 1-0 Sun Conference record when the award was announced September 9.
St. Thomas University traveled to Keiser on September 9 for a 6:30 p.m. Sun Conference match.
Source: Original report