The Gulf South Conference announced its Volleyball Players of the Week for the 2022 season. This week's awards were for games played between August 25-28.
Offensive Player of the Week: Taylor Vaneekeren, S, West Florida
Vaneekeren steered West Florida to a 4-0 weekend as the Argos defeated three NCAA tournament teams from a year ago. The senior setter finished the four-match week with 173 assists (3.1/set), 10 kills and 52 digs. She opened the season with a 60-assist, 13-dig performance against Wheeling. Vaneekeren capped the weekend with 39 helpers and 19 digs as UWF beat No. 8 Central Missouri.
Others nominated: Allie Dishman (UM); Abby Stroh (LU); Lydia Paulette (MC); Gracie McGee (UAH); Katherine Patrick (SU); Sidney Hegg (UU); Maddi Rowley (CBU); Kendall McCain (AUM); Zoe LaBreche (UWG)
Defensive Player of the Week: Meg Brackhan, DS/L, West Florida
Brackhan anchored West Florida backline as it registered a weekend sweep with the Argos going 4-0 to open the season. The sophomore libero collected 65 digs (3.82/set) and was a perfect 49-for-49 in serve receptions. Brackham's standout performance out weekend was a 20-dig outing to help UWF beat No. 8 Central Missouri in five sets.
Others nominated: Casey Hendrixson (UM); Abby Stroh (LU); Shayla Libby (UAH); Sloane FitzHenry (MC); Madison Sprosty (SU); Syndey Sample (UU); Kyla French (AUM); Syndey Blackmon (UWG)
Freshman of the Week: Kendall McCain, L, Auburn Montgomery
McCain helped the Warhawks to a 2-2 start following the opening weekend of play. Despite playing out of position, the freshman recorded double-figure kills in all four matches and finished with 55 kills on .317 hitting and 34 digs. She opened her collegiate career with a 10-kills, 13-dig outing against Arkansas-Fort Smith. McCain later had a record-setting match against Ouachita Baptist, with 19 kills and 10 digs, while setting the school-record with eight service aces.
Others nominated: Clarissa Soza (Lee); Caroline Chastang (MC); Caroline Moyer (UAH); Claudia Loyola (SU); Marie Torosian (UU); Maddi Rowley (CBU); Sanai Young (UWG)
Past Winners:
Aug. 30 –
Offensive: Taylor Vaneekeren, West Florida;
Defensive: Meg Brackhan, West Florida;
Freshman: Kendall McCain, Auburn Montgomery