The sixth set of 2026 Gulf South Conference Volleyball Weekly Awards presented by Athletic Solutions were announced following performances from Sept. 28-Oct. 4
 
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kayla Ward, MB, Sr., UAH

• Helped the Chargers improve to 5-1 in GSC play with wins over Mississippi Christian and West Alabama.
• Finished the two-match week hitting .316 and averaging 3.43 kills, 1.43 blocks and 0.86 digs per set.
• Tallied 14 kills on 33 attempts, hitting .303, in a four-setter against Mississippi Christian.
• Swung at .421-clip with 10 kills on 19 attempts in three-set sweep versus West Alabama.
• Contributed defensively, totaling 10 blocks and six digs.

 Other nominees: Sarah Helms, Christian Brothers; Holland Williams, Mississippi Christian; Katie Wilkerson, Montevallo; Brynne Krangnes, Trevecca Nazarene; Carleigh Charles, Union; Eva LaRochelle, Valdosta State; Klára Bobánová, West Alabama
 
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Brooklyn Stiles, DS/L, Jr., UAH

• Anchored the Charger backline as UAH tallied GSC wins against Mississippi Christian and West Alabama.
• Totaled 39 digs, averaging 5.57 per set.
• Logged a 21-dig performance on Friday in a four-set decision versus Mississippi Christian.
• Collected 18 digs on Saturday in a three-set sweep over first-place West Alabama.
• She also contributed with three assists and three service aces on the week.

 Other nominees: Sarah Helms, Christian Brothers; Esthefany Rabit, Lee; Ava Wind, Montevallo; Lily Vanbebber, Trevecca Nazarene; Caileigh Collins, Union; Eimy Negron Domenech, Valdosta State; Bailey Keef, West Alabama
 
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Ellie Scharlow, OH, Montevallo

• Helped the Falcons to a 2-1 week, while totaling 30.5 points, 22 kills, seven aces, 41 digs and two blocks.
• Averaged 1.69 kills, 3.15 digs and 0.54 aces while appearing in 13 sets.
• Nearly had a double-double to begin the week, notching nine kills and 14 digs in a 3-1 win over Shorter.
• Registered a season-high 18 digs with seven kills in a four-set loss to conference-leader West Alabama.
• Recorded a season-high four service aces along with four kills and nine digs in a four-set win over Mississippi Christian.

 Other nominees: Amelia Smith, UAH; Avery Sample, Lee; Caileigh Collins, Union; Addison Cooley, Valdosta State; Rachele Zanini, West Alabama
 
2026 GSC Volleyball Weekly Award Winners
Offensive Player of the Week
Sep. 1: Mallory Hulsey, Montevallo
Sept. 8: Cooper Garrett, UAH
Sept. 15: Paola Aviles, Valdosta State
Sept. 22: Jordyn Butler, Lee
Sept. 29: Katilyn Grant, Trevecca Nazarene
Oct. 6: Kayla Ward, UAH
 
Defensive Player of the Week
Sept. 1: Ava Wind, Montevallo
Sept. 8: Eimy Negron Domenech, Valdosta State
Sept. 15: Sophia Nowacki, Christian Brothers
Sept. 22: Sarah Helms, Christian Brothers
Sept. 29: Lily Vanbebber, Trevecca Nazarene
Oct. 6: Brooklyn Stiles, UAH
 
Freshman Player of the Week
Sept. 1: Rachele Zanini, West Alabama
Sept. 8: Rachele Zanini, West Alabama
Sept. 15: Duru Seber, West Alabama
Sept. 22: Rachele Zanini, West Alabama
Sept. 29: Rachele Zanini, West Alabama
Oct. 6: Ellie Scharlow, Montevallo