The fourth set of 2026 Gulf South Conference Volleyball Weekly Awards presented by Athletic Solutions were announced following performances from Sept. 14-20
 
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jordyn Butler, OH, Jr., Lee 

• Helped the Lady Flames to 3-0 week, including conference wins at Valdosta State and AUM.
• Registered 46 total kills (3.83 per set) and 49.5 points (4.13 per set) behind a .513 hitting percentage on 78 attempts.
• Had double-digit kills in back-to-back road matches against Valdosta State (14) and AUM (23). 
• Began the week with a .471 hitting percentage against Lincoln Memorial, before swinging .462 at Valdosta State and a career-high .571 in a five-setter with AUM.
• Her stat line for the week also included six digs and seven blocks.

 Other nominees: Kayla Ward, UAH; Alana Martinez, Christian Brothers; Katie Wilkerson, Montevallo; Katilyn Grant, Trevecca Nazarene; Elizabeth Gilbert, Union; Eva LaRochelle, Valdosta State; Katerina Korre, West Alabama
 
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sarah Helms, MB, Sr., Christian Brothers

• Totaled 15 blocks and 18.5 points over two matches for the Lady Bucs.
• Recorded a career-high 13 blocks in a four-set loss to Montevallo, highlighted by four solo stops.
• Finished the week averaging 2.14 blocks per set, 1.43 digs per set and 2.64 points per set.

 Other nominees: Kayla Ward, UAH; Avery Sample, Lee; Ava Wind, Montevallo; Brynne Krangnes, Trevecca Nazarene; Caileigh Collins, Union; Eimy Negron Domenech, Valdosta State; Bailey Keef, West Alabama
 
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Rachele Zanini, S, West Alabama 

• Steered the Tigers to a 2-0 week, including a GSC win over Mississippi College.
• The rookie setter totaled 54 assists on 118 attempts with two errors, converting at a .441 percent clip, while also tallying four kills, one service aces, 17 digs and one block.
• Began the week with 24 helpers in a three-set sweep over Stillman.
• Had 30 assists and 14 digs in a three-set win over Mississippi College.
• This is her third time named GSC Freshman of the Week after being recognized on Sept. 1 and Sept. 8.

 Other nominees: Jamya Powell, AUM; Gunny Brock, Lee; Ellie Scharlow, Montevallo; Zoie Elrod, Trevecca Nazarene; Caileigh Collins; Union; Addison Cooley, Valdosta State
 
 
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
 
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
 
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