Colville’s Zier, Benson Named NEA Scholar-Athletes of the Year

Colville High School seniors Zaidence Zier and Brock Benson have been named the school’s 2026 Northeast A League (NEA) Scholar-Athletes of the Year. Each year, the NEA recognizes one male and one female student-athlete from each member school. The award highlights the recipients’ excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and character. Winners are invited, with their families, to a league luncheon hosted by NEA athletic directors, where they are recognized alongside award winners from across the league. Zier was selected as Colville’s female recipient after a standout career in cross country and track and field. A four-year varsity athlete, Zier was named NEA Cross Country MVP in 2023 and was a four-time team MVP in cross country. She also served as a captain for both the cross country and track and field programs during her senior year. Zier qualified for the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association State Cross Country Championships in each of her four high school seasons. She also advanced to the state track meet twice, earned all-conference honors every year and finished on the podium at the state cross country meet three times. In the classroom, Zier maintained a 3.795 grade-point average while also taking college courses. She earned honor roll recognition at both Colville High School and Spokane Community College, and is set to graduate with an Associate of Arts degree. After graduation, Zier plans to attend Eastern Washington University, where she will continue competing in cross country and track and field. Benson was named Colville’s male recipient after a four-year varsity career in football and basketball. Benson maintained a 3.94 GPA while competing in both sports and staying active in community service. He was a member of the National Honor Society and High Honor Roll and earned NEA League first-team all-academic honors in football and basketball. On the basketball court, Benson served as a team captain, was named Colville High School’s MVP, earned Defensive Player of the Year honors twice and was selected to the NEA League first-team all-conference team. In football, Benson played quarterback and free safety and helped lead Colville to back-to-back NEA League championships. He earned NEA League Most Valuable Player honors and was named a Washington State Football Coaches Association first-team all-state defensive back. Benson is also a finalist for the Spokane Youth Sports Awards. Outside of athletics, Benson volunteered throughout the Colville community, including youth camps, mentoring programs, Rotary projects, elementary school classrooms and other local service events.