BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Gulf South Conference has announced its Women’s Indoor Track & Field weekly award for performances during the week of Jan. 12-18, 2026.
TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Lauren Wallace, Sr., MIssissippi College
- Medaled in the mile at the Samford Open.
- Finished second with a time of 4:52.51.
- Notched a NCAA DII provisional time and ranks third among GSC leaders in the event.
- Was the only non-Division I competitor to finish in the top-eight.
- This is Wallace’s first weekly award of the indoor season.
Other nominees: Anna Katherine Hopkins, UAH; Aria Hawkins, Lee; Ava Taylor, Montevallo
FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Caroline Sanders, Fr., UAH
- Logged two personal-best marks while competing at the Samford Open.
- Won the long jump event with a leap of 5.73m (18’ 9.75”).
- Placed sixth in the triple jump with distance of 11.24m (36’ 10.5”).
- Recorded a NCAA provisional score in the long jump.
- This is Sanders’ first GSC weekly of her career.
Other nominees: Alexis Goodman, Christian Brothers; Liz Lannom, Lee; Kennedy Thompson, MC; Makayla Amador, Montevallo
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Mallory Dial, Mississippi College
- Won the high jump at the Samford Open.
- Cleared a height of 1.70m (5’ 7”) defeating several Division I competitors.
- Posted a NCAA provisional mark and now tops the performance list among GSC competitors.
- This is Dial's second consecutive GSC Freshman of the Week award.
Other nominees: Caroline Sanders, UAH; Phoebe Steel, Christian Brothers; Makayla Amador, Montevallo;
2026 GSC Women’s ITF Weekly Award Winners
Dec. 10: Aria Hawkins, Lee (Track); Samara Brinks, Lee (Field); Heckla Magnusdottir, UAH (Freshman)
Jan. 14: Amiah Murry, UAH (Track); Jadlyn Debardlabon, UAH (Field); Mallory Dial, Mississippi College (Freshman)
Jan. 21: Lauren Wallace, Mississippi College (Track); Caroline Sanders, UAH (Field); Mallory Dial, Mississippi College (Freshman)