compliments of www.thesunconference.com
TAMPA, Fla. – The Sun Conference announces the players of the week for men's and women's golf, football, men's and women's soccer, and volleyball for the week of October 5, 2026.
All 12 awards are based on performances from September 28 – October 4.
Football Players of the Week
Defensive Player of the Week
Joshua McDowell, Keiser
Sophomore | Naranja, Fla. | Linebacker
Notes: Sophomore linebacker Joshua McDowell helped lead the Seahawks defense to the program's eighth shutout. McDowell recorded four tackles and had two interceptions and one forced fumble versus the Night Hawks despite playing just half the game. He and the Seahawk defense held Thomas (Ga.) to just 57 yards of total offense (the lowest in program history). His first pick set up the Seahawk's fourth touchdown early in the second quarter. His second interception was returned for the team's 10th touchdown of the game - setting the school record for points in a game (previously 69 at Warner - Oct. 14, 2023). On the year, McDowell has recorded 15 total tackles with 2.0 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.
Offensive Player of the Week
David Buggs, Florida Memorial
Senior | Kissimmee, Fla. | Quarterback
Notes: Buggs was once again lights out. He engineered a dominant offensive performance against No. 14 Southeastern in the win. He completed nearly 69% of his throws for 206 yards and three touchdowns, including a 77-yard TD pass. Buggs is now tied for the conference in passing touchdowns with 10.
Special Teams Player of the Week
Dorian Hall, Keiser
Sophomore | Sarasota, Fla. | Kicker
Notes: Kicker Dorian Hall had a career day versus the Thomas Night Hawks. Hall tied the school record for extra-point attempts made with eight, going a perfect 8-for-8 and did not allow a single kick return, booting nine touchbacks. He also made a 45-yard field goal (the longest of the season for the sophomore). On the year, Hall has registered 21 made extra points this season (No. 1 in the SUN) and leads the conference in scoring among kickers. He 26 total touchbacks are more than all of the touchbacks combined among the other seven teams in the conference.
Volleyball Players of the Week
Attacker of the Week
Wiktoria Telecka, New College of Florida
Senior | Zgorzala, Poland | Outside Hitter
Notes: Telecka led the Mighty Banyans to a pair of conference victory's by logging 21 kills in victory's over both Webber and Keiser. She averaged 4.67 kills per set including 5.25 per set in NCF's 3-1 Saturday victory over Keiser. She also logged 12 service aces on the week with six in each match.
Defender of the Week
Khalia Horta, New College of Florida
Sophomore | Miami, Fla. | Defensive Specialist / Libero
Notes: Horta was outstanding from her libero position for the Mighty Banyans as she posted 25 digs in a road win over Webber and 23 in a home victory over Keiser to finish with 48 digs on the week averaging an impressive 5.33 per set. She also added 44 receptions.
Setter of the Week
Payton Bertke, St. Thomas
Senior | Celina, Ohio | Setter
Notes: Averaged 10 assists per set during a 2-0 week... recorded a double-double against Southeastern with 52 assists and 17 digs.
Men's Soccer Players of the Week
Defensive Player of the Week
Juan Mora, Florida Memorial
Senior | Mérida, Venezuela | Goalkeeper
Notes: Mora had 14 saves this week, averaging seven saves a match.
Offensive Player of the Week
Cameron Johnson, New College of Florida
Sophomore | Miami, Fla. | Forward
Notes: Johnson's outstanding season continued as he helped NCF earn a 3-3 draw with then-ranked No. 11 Keiser by scoring a pair of goals. He then assisted on one of NCF's three goals in a 3-2 road win at Keiser to finish the week with five points.
Women's Soccer Players of the Week
Defensive Player of the Week
Haley Van Houweling, Warner
Senior | Pella, Iowa | Goalkeeper
Notes: Van Houweling had an incredible week between the posts for the Royals recording 2 shutouts in 2 games, including a shutout on the road at #14 SCAD. Van Houweling record 9 saves at SCAD to help the Royals secure their first points against SCAD since 2018. She also made multiple huge defensive plays for the Royals that don't show on the box score. Van Houweling won multiple 50/50 balls hit on crosses, corners, and long through balls to kill the Bees attacks. The Royals GK also has not conceded a goal in just over 233 minutes of game time dating back to last week's game against NCF.
Offensive Player of the Week
Momo Sato, Southeastern
Freshman | Osaka, Japan | Midfielder
Notes: Sato had a stellar night against Florida Memorial, being involved in every goal. The freshman had a perfect hat trick (scored with right foot, left foot, and header) as well as an assist.
Golfers of the Week
Men's Golfer of the Week
Gates Glanton, Coastal Georgia
Sophomore | Fortson, Ga.
Notes: Glanton finished even par, fourth overall, leading the Mariners to a third place team finish. His 4-under round two tied for the best individual round at the tournament.
Women's Golfer of the Week
Sadaly Campbell, Southeastern
Sophomore | Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Notes: Sadaly Campbell turned in a third place finish amongst a very competitive field at a very challenging golf course. Improving on her score each round, shooting par or better in the second and third. The Fire as a group finished second behind NAIA No. 3 Dalton State and finishing ahead of three more NAIA Top 25 programs. Campbell birdied 10 times, and led the tournament in Par 3 Scoring, shooting two under on par threes. The Fire finished in the Top Two for the second tournament in a row, and Campbell cemented her second Top Four finish of the season and has now played and finished in the Top 15 of every tournament the Fire have competed in since she joined the program last season.
