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Collegiate conferences announce weekly player awards
Various collegiate athletic conferences have announced their first weekly player awards for the start of the 2026 season.
In volleyball, the Big 12 named Rachel Van Gorp as Defensive Player of the Week and Ava Martin as the inaugural Setter of the Week. The Big East honored Ayden Ames (Creighton), Luanna Markus (Marquette), and Carola Tesoro (St. John’s). High Point University’s Maya Bukvcan and Remy Catojo earned Big South honors, while the America East recognized Emma Converse and Hady Pickard. UNI’s Jadyn Petersen was named the Missouri Valley Conference Libero of the Week.
In men's soccer, Louisville's Giacomo Zizza was named the ACC Offensive Player of the Week following a two-goal performance. Longwood University's Brando Bedolla received Big South Offensive Player of the Week honors after leading his team to a 3-0 start.
Villanova Athletics also highlighted top performers, including field hockey player Gemma Lysaght, who was named the BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week after scoring four goals in a single match.
Entities
Avrie Nelsen · BIG EAST · BIG EAST Conference · Big 12 Conference · Big South Conference · Carola Tesoro · Iowa State University · St. John's University · Villanova University
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mia Hurd was named BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week for women's soccer.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jocy Koffi was named BIG EAST Freshman of the Week for women's soccer.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Avrie Nelsen was named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week for women's soccer.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Carola Tesoro was named BIG EAST Freshman of the Week for volleyball. redstormsports.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Meredith Palmer was named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week for women's soccer.