The third set of 2026 Gulf South Conference Volleyball Weekly Awards presented by Athletic Solutions were announced following performances from Sept. 7-13.
 
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Paola Aviles, MH, Jr., Valdosta State
Helped Valdosta State to 2-2 record at the VSU Fall Invitational.

• Tallied 41.5 points, 37 total kills on 89 attempts and a .292 hitting percentage while playing 13 sets.
• Eclipsed .360 hitting in back-to-back matches against Embry-Riddle (.361) and Lander (.364).
• Had 18 kills on 36 swings in a four-set loss to Embry-Riddle.
• Also finished the week with eight total blocks and 16 digs.

Other nominees: Kayla Ward, UAH; Alana Martinez, Christian Brothers; Meg Paparella, Mississippi Christian; Elizabeth Gilbert, Union; Jazlyn Snow, West Alabama
 
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sophia Nowacki, DS/L, So., Christian Brothers

• Helped Christian Brothers to a 3-1 week at the CBU Patriot Day Classic earning wins over Southern New Hampshire, Claflin and Miles. 
• Totaled 87 digs over four matches, averaging 6.21 per set. 
• Had a weekend-high 25 digs in a four-setter over Claflin. 
• Contributed to the offense with 25 assists.
• First CBU player to earn GSC Defensive Player of the Week honors since Maggie Sorensen on Oct. 14, 2014.

 Other nominees: Brooklyn Stiles, UAH; Samarin Sample, Mississippi Christian; Ava Wind, Montevallo; Caileigh Collins, Union; Eimy Negron Domenech, Valdosta State; Bailey Keef, West Alabama
 
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Duru Seber, MB, West Alabama

• Finished with 18 points, 16 kills on 24 total attempts and a .625 hitting percentage.
• Helped the Tigers go 3-0 with wins over Albany State, Talladega and Miles while playing seven sets.
• Hit .727 in a three-set win over Albany State, notching eight kills and zero errors on 11 swings.
• Closed the weekend with a .714 hitting percentage against Miles, tallying five kills on seven attempts with no errors.

 Other nominees: Caroline Downey, Mississippi Christian; Brianna Bowman, Trevecca Nazarene; Caileigh Collins, Union
 
 
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
 
Defensive Player of the Week
Sept. 1: Ava Wind, Montevallo
Sept. 8: Eimy Negron Domenech, Valdosta State
Sept. 15: Sophia Nowacki, Christian Brothers
 
Freshman Player of the Week
Sept. 1: Rachele Zanini, West Alabama
Sept. 8: Rachele Zanini, West Alabama
Sept. 15: Duru Seber, West Alabama