TAMPA, Fla. – The Sun Conference announces the players of the week for volleyball for the week of August 17, 2026. These are the first player of the week awards for the 2026-27 season.
The three awards are based on performances from August 14 – August 16.
Volleyball Players of the Week
Attacker of the Week
Laura Bonomi, Southeastern
Senior | Ceto, Italy | Outside Hitter
Notes: Bonomi led the Fire attack during opening weekend, driving the team to a 4-0 start that included victories over two top-10 opponents: No. 3 Indiana Wesleyan and No. 10 Cumberlands. As they took the gold bracket title at the Keiser Summer Classic. The senior scored double-doubles in every match, and 13 or more kills in each match. These were highlighted by her 20 kill matches in both shocking upsets of three-time defending national Champion No. 3 Indiana Wesleyan, and the reverse sweep of No. 10 Cumberlands (Ky.) who had not lost a set yet this season. Her 72 kills currently leads the NAIA, adding 13 assists and five service aces to the attack. She showcased her grit, playing every point of every match, three of the four went to five sets. She was equally vital to the defense, as she also currently leads the NAIA with 97 digs as an outside hitter.
Defender of the Week
Laura Bonomi, Southeastern
Senior | Ceto, Italy | Outside Hitter
Notes: Bonomi was dominant defensively for the Fire en route to a 4-0 week and a pair of top-10 wins: three-time defending national champion No. 3 Indiana Wesleyan & No. 10 Cumberlands. The senior from Ceto, Italy tallied 97 digs, leading the NAIA. Her strongest defensive performances came in the gold bracket of the Keiser Summer Classic as she tallied 33 digs against Morningside and a season and career high 38 in the reverse sweep championship match win over No. 10 Cumberlands. Playing all 276 points this weekend, tallying double-doubles in all matches, including two 20 kill, 30+ dig masterpieces.
Setter of the Week
Payton Bertke, St. Thomas
Senior | Celina, Ohio | Setter
Notes: Dished out 9.50 assists per set during a 3-1 showing at the Keiser Summer Classic... averaged 11.50 assists per set in a four-set win against Keiser, adding 11 digs for a double-double.