Taylor Stanley Named AVCA Player of the Week
The Kansas freshman pin hitter earned top honors after leading the Jayhawks to three consecutive sweeps.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Volleyball
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The American Volleyball Coaches Association recognized Kansas freshman pin hitter Taylor Stanley as Player of the Week. This accolade follows her performance in three sweeps against Wichita State, Ole Miss, and Grand Canyon.
Why it matters
Stanley has become the first Kansas athlete to receive this specific AVCA award since 2016. Her dominance on the court has placed the Jayhawks in a strong position as they prepare for conference play.
Stanley currently leads the Big 12 with 5.70 points per set and ranks fifth nationally with a 4.74 kills per set average. Her weekly performance included 48 total kills and a .456 attack percentage.
The players
Taylor Stanley
She is a freshman pin hitter for the Kansas Jayhawks volleyball team.
Kansas Jayhawks
The athletic teams representing the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
American Volleyball Coaches Association
This professional organization supports volleyball coaches and recognizes top athletic performance.
Big 12
This collegiate athletic conference includes the University of Kansas as a member institution.
The details
Stanley maintained an average of 5.33 kills per set during the team's successful week of play. Her efforts helped the 19th-ranked Jayhawks maintain their momentum through three straight victories.
Timeline
2016 was the last time a Kansas player received the AVCA honor.
September 25, 2026 is the date Kansas plays Houston to open Big 12 play.
The Big Picture
Stanley's selection echoes the 2016 AVCA Player of the Week recognition achieved by Kelsie Payne. This award highlights the ongoing emergence of elite talent within the Kansas program.
Stanley currently holds a Big 12-leading 5.70 points per set, which positions her as a key asset for upcoming conference match-ups. Her performance has solidified her role in the starting rotation for the team's Big 12 opener.
The takeaway
Stanley's breakout freshman performance indicates a high ceiling for the remainder of the season. Fans should look for her to continue driving the Jayhawks' offensive strategy as the difficulty of the schedule increases.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit Lawrence Volleyball.
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