A standout week of competition produced elite performances across multiple sports, as top athletes rose to the moment to lead their teams to key victories. From clutch basketball plays and dominant defensive efforts to powerful bats, shutdown pitching, and momentum-shifting volleyball attacks, this week’s Players of the Week delivered impact performances when it mattered most. These awards are presented by Athletic Solutions. 
Men’s Basketball Offensive Player of the Week
Nick Hopkins, Hope International
Nick Hopkins put together a dominant all-around week to lead Hope International to a pair of impressive road victories, earning Men’s Basketball Offensive Player of the Week honors. The senior guard averaged 25.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 58.3 percent from the field, consistently attacking the rim and putting pressure on opposing defenses. His aggressive play resulted in 35 free throw attempts over two games, a testament to his physicality and relentless downhill approach.
Hopkins delivered in the biggest moments, starting with a clutch performance at The Master’s where he scored 23 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and came up with a key late deflection that forced a desperation heave at the buzzer in a 75-74 win. He followed that up with a season-high 27 points and 10 rebounds against Benedictine Mesa, recording his second double-double of the season while also adding five assists. Hopkins’ ability to score, rebound, and make winning plays on both ends fueled HIU’s perfect week away from home.
Men’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week
Jazen Guillory, The Master’s
Jazen Guillory was a disruptive force on the defensive end, earning Men’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week honors after wreaking havoc in the passing lanes. The senior guard averaged 3.5 steals per game while anchoring The Master’s perimeter defense, consistently pressuring ball handlers and forcing turnovers that swung momentum throughout the week.
Beyond the steals, Guillory contributed on the glass, pulling down five defensive rebounds per game and helping limit second-chance opportunities. His defensive effort was especially impactful in the road win at Embry-Riddle, where his activity and anticipation helped fuel an 87-85 victory. Guillory’s relentless energy and commitment to defense set the tone for The Master’s on both ends of the floor.
Women’s Basketball Offensive Player of the Week
Izabella Forker, The Master’s
Izabella “Bella” Forker played a key role in a pair of wins for The Master’s, earning Women’s Basketball Offensive Player of the Week honors with her steady production and versatility. The sophomore point guard averaged 15.0 points per game while leading the offense with confidence, scoring 18 points in a narrow win over Hope International and following up with 12 more on the road at Embry-Riddle.
Forker made her impact felt beyond scoring, showcasing her aggressiveness and toughness on both ends of the floor. She totaled 11 rebounds over the two games, including eight offensive boards, while also recording seven steals and a block. Her ability to pressure defensively, extend possessions, and contribute across multiple categories made her a difference-maker throughout the week.
Women’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week
Brianna Humphries, OUAZ
Brianna Humphries was the backbone of OUAZ’s defense during a perfect 2-0 week, earning Women’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week honors. The junior forward dominated the paint, recording seven blocks over two games and serving as a constant deterrent at the rim. Her six-block performance against Life Pacific tied a program record and completely altered the offensive approach of the opposition.
In addition to her shot-blocking prowess, Humphries controlled the defensive glass, pulling down 13 defensive rebounds and limiting second-chance opportunities. Her presence inside anchored a Spirit defense that held opponents to just 94 total points across two games. Humphries’ timing, physicality, and defensive instincts were instrumental in OUAZ’s success.
Baseball Player of the Week
Ty Beck, The Master’s
Ty Beck delivered a power-filled week at the plate to earn Baseball Player of the Week honors, leading The Master’s offense in a four-game series split with Bushnell. The senior outfielder went 6-for-13 with two home runs and two RBIs, continuing a torrid start to the season that has him leading the NAIA with five home runs.
Beck’s presence in the lineup was so impactful that opposing teams were forced to pitch around him, as he drew three walks during the series, two of them intentional. Whether driving the ball out of the park or forcing strategic decisions from opposing pitchers, Beck consistently changed the game with each plate appearance and set the tone for the Mustangs’ offense.
Baseball Pitcher of the Week
James Coker, The Master’s
James Coker turned in a dominant outing to earn Baseball Pitcher of the Week honors after tossing a complete-game shutout against Bushnell. The senior right-hander was in full control from start to finish, striking out 11 batters over seven innings while allowing just four hits and three walks in a 4-0 victory.
Coker’s command and efficiency kept Bushnell off balance all game, as he consistently worked ahead in counts and finished hitters with confidence. His performance showcased both power and poise on the mound, providing The Master’s with a statement win and one of the most impressive pitching performances of the week.
Softball Player of the Week
Vivian Little, Hope International
Vivian Little powered Hope International’s offense during a busy week, earning Softball Player of the Week honors after hitting .533 (8-for-15) with three runs scored and six RBIs. The senior utility player consistently delivered extra-base hits, with four of her eight hits going for doubles, and provided clutch production throughout the Royals’ 4-2 week.
Little saved some of her best performances for the toughest competition, going 3-for-6 with a double against No. 1 Southern Oregon. She also drove in four runs in a mercy-rule win over Westcliff, finishing 2-for-3 in that contest. Whether facing top-ranked opponents or delivering in key moments, Little was a steady and dangerous presence in the lineup.
Softball Pitcher of the Week
Kaitlyn Maaske, Hope International
Kaitlyn Maaske earned Softball Pitcher of the Week honors after a stellar 3-0 week in the circle for Hope International. The sophomore went the distance in all three starts, posting a 1.84 ERA across 19.0 innings while striking out 14 and walking just three. Her consistency and durability were critical as the Royals faced a demanding slate of opponents.
Maaske allowed just one run combined against Nelson and Westcliff, then showcased her resilience against No. 1 Southern Oregon. After surrendering three early runs, she settled in and shut down the Raiders the rest of the way, giving her offense time to rally for a 5-3 victory. Her ability to adjust and compete against elite competition highlighted an outstanding week in the circle.
Men’s Volleyball Attacker of the Week
Caeden Salmen, OUAZ
Caeden Salmen delivered timely offense and all-around contributions to earn Men’s Volleyball Attacker of the Week honors following OUAZ’s sweep of No. 14 Westcliff. The graduate outside hitter recorded 10 kills, many of them coming at critical points in each set to halt runs and swing momentum in the Spirit’s favor.
Salmen’s impact extended beyond attacking, as he added key digs, blocks, and assists to support a complete team effort. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game helped OUAZ control the match from start to finish, underscoring his value as a versatile and reliable presence on the court.