The sixth set of 2026 Gulf South Conference Men's Soccer Weekly Awards presented by Athletic Solutions have been announced, based on performances from Sept. 28 - Oct. 4.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Lauri Orava, F, Jr., Christian Brothers
- Recorded a first-half hat trick in Christian Brother's 3-3 road draw against West Alabama
- Finished the week with six points, scoring on all three shots on goals and four total shots.
Other nominees: Donovan Pruitte, UAH; Alan De Paula, AUM; Max Rode, Lee; Juan Diego Alfaro, Montevallo; Chris Douglas, Trevecca Nazarene; Freddie Westfall, Union; David Nunez, West Alabama
DEFENDER OF THE WEEK
Wesley Atoyebi, D, Sr., UAH
- Played 151 minutes while helping the Chargers hold opponents to only one goal during a 2-0 week.
- Assisted both goals in a 2-1 win against Carson-Newman
Other nominees: Alan De Paula, AUM; Gage Sorey, Mississippi College; Haden Brown, Trevecca Nazarene; Freddie Westfall, Union
GOALKEEPER OF THE WEEK
Sonny Wright, GK, Jr., UAH
- Earned two complete-game wins to lead UAH to a 2-0 week.
- Recorded a season-high nine saves with a .900 save percentage in a 2-1 win at Carson-Newman.
- Posted his fourth shutout of the season in a 4-0 win against Spring Hill.
- Leads the GSC in goals-against average (0.512).
Other nominees: Jacob Buhrkuhl, AUM; Charles Carriglitto, Lee; Santiago Dominguez, Mississippi Christian;
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Freddie Westfall, D, Fr., Union
- Earned a hat trick in a 5-1 win against Mission University.
- Anchored the backline to allow only two goals in a win over Mission and a 1-1 tie against Lee.
- Totaled 135 minutes of action, taking five shots, including four on frame.
Other nominees: Malik Mawd, AUM; Simpson Moore, Lee; Ben Smith, Mississippi Christian; Drew Park, Montevallo; Zion Jones, Trevecca Nazarene; Florian Laot, West Alabama
2026 GSC Men's Soccer Weekly Awards
Player of the Week
Sept. 1: Jaden McKree, AUM
Sept. 8: Oli Orzechowski, UAH
Sept. 15: David Nunez, West Alabama
Sept. 22: David Nunez, West Alabama
Sept. 29: David Nunez, West Alabama
Oct. 6: Lauri Orava, Christian Brothers
Defender of the Week
Sept. 1: Samuel Quickfall, UAH
Sept. 8: Haden Brown, Trevecca Nazarene
Sept. 15: Alan De Paula, AUM
Sept. 22: Freddie Westfall, Union
Sept. 29: Luke Butcher, AUM
Oct. 6: Wesley Atoyebi, UAH
Goalkeeper of the Week
Sept. 1: Jacob Buhrkuhl, AUM
Sept. 8: Walker Hunter, Trevecca Nazarene
Sept. 15: Grant Clothier, CBU
Sept. 22: Jakob Buhrkuhl, AUM
Sept. 29: Jakob Buhrkuhl, AUM
Oct. 6: Sonny Wright, UAH
Freshman of the Week
Sept. 1: Brenan Greer, AUM
Sept. 8: Harry McLean, Mississippi Christian
Sept. 15: Oliver Rigby, UAH
Sept. 22: Zion Jones, Trevecca Nazarene
Sept. 29: Daniele Ciarlesi, West Alabama
Oct. 6: Freddie Westfall, Union