San Diego, CA, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The Mountain West Conference recognized several student-athletes for their impressive performances this week in football and volleyball. Victoria Miller from San Diego State excelled in soccer, while Bryson Barnes from Utah State led in football with five touchdowns. In volleyball, UNLV athletes received accolades for their significant contributions. This recognition highlights the exceptional talent within the conference, emphasizing individual achievements across multiple sports.
San Diego, CA – In an excellent display of athletic prowess this week, several players within the Mountain West Conference have received notable honors for their outstanding performances in football and volleyball.
Victoria Miller, a sophomore forward from San Diego State University, has earned the title of Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week. Hailing from Novi, Michigan, Miller previously played at Ohio State before transferring to San Diego State. Her remarkable contributions on the field have set her apart as a leading player in the conference.
Lily Brongo, a senior defender from the University of Wyoming, has been recognized as the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week. Brongo, a product of Spencerport, New York, is known for her tenacity and skill in the defensive position. In addition, another Wyoming player, Addison Keen, a freshman defender from Wildwood, Missouri, was honored as the Mountain West Freshman of the Week.
Shifting to football, Bryson Barnes, a graduate quarterback from Utah State, received the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week award for Week 3. Barnes, originally from Milford, Utah, showcased his skills by accounting for five touchdowns during Utah State’s 49-30 victory over Air Force. He completed 17 of his 22 passes for a total of 287 yards, marking the second-highest yardage of his career. Additionally, Barnes’s performance included rushing for 44 yards and three touchdowns, making him the second player in Utah State history to achieve such a feat.
On the defensive side, Jaxton Eck, a junior linebacker from New Mexico, was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week. Eck put in a stellar performance with a game-high 11 tackles, five of which were solo, during New Mexico’s impressive 35-10 win against UCLA. His efforts were pivotal, including tipping a pass that led to an interception in the fourth quarter, helping secure the victory.
Hawaii’s Kansei Matsuzawa, a senior placekicker, was granted the title of Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week. Matsuzawa contributed a total of 11 points in Hawaii’s 23-3 win over Portland State, equaling his career high with three successful field goals.
Freshman Samuel Harris from Wyoming was also acknowledged as the Mountain West Freshman of the Week. He rushed for a personal best of 68 yards on eight carries, along with catching three passes for 37 yards, which also stands as a career high. Harris achieved a total of 105 all-purpose yards, marking another significant improvement in his performance.
In volleyball, UNLV garnered multiple honors, with Alondra Alarcon named Offensive Player of the Week. Rheanna Deen-Jackson received the Defensive Player of the Week recognition, while freshman Kaia Thiele earned the Freshman of the Week designation. Throughout the week, UNLV had a record of 2-1, achieving victories over UC Irvine and Montana State, while facing a setback against Oregon State.
Key Players Recognized This Week
| Player | University | Award | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria Miller | San Diego State | Offensive Player of the Week | Outstanding performance in soccer |
| Lily Brongo | Wyoming | Defensive Player of the Week | Strong defensive play highlighted |
| Bryson Barnes | Utah State | Offensive Player of the Week | 5 TDs in victory over Air Force |
| Jaxton Eck | New Mexico | Defensive Player of the Week | 11 tackles in win against UCLA |
| Kansei Matsuzawa | Hawaii | Special Teams Player of the Week | 11 points in win over Portland State |
| Samuel Harris | Wyoming | Freshman of the Week | Career-high rushing and receiving |
| Alondra Alarcon | UNLV | Offensive Player of the Week | Strong performances in volleyball matches |
| Rheanna Deen-Jackson | UNLV | Defensive Player of the Week | Exceptional defensive skills |
| Kaia Thiele | UNLV | Freshman of the Week | Promising newcomer in volleyball |
FAQ
- What is the significance of the Mountain West Player of the Week awards?
- The Mountain West Player of the Week awards highlight exceptional individual performances in the conference across various sports, showcasing the talent and achievements of student-athletes.
- Are the Player of the Week awards given for both football and volleyball?
- Yes, the Player of the Week awards are distributed for various sports within the Mountain West Conference, including football and volleyball.
- Who can qualify for the Mountain West Freshman of the Week award?
- Any freshman athlete competing within the Mountain West Conference is eligible for the Freshman of the Week award, awarded based on outstanding performance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Mountain West Soccer Players of the Week – Sept 15
- Wikipedia: Mountain West Conference
- Mountain West Conference Honors News – Wyoming
- Google Search: Mountain West Conference
- Mountain West Football Players of the Week – Sept 15
- Google Scholar: Mountain West Athletics
- Old Trapper Mountain West Volleyball Players of the Week – Sept 15
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Athletics
- Mountain West Football Players of the Week – Aug 25
- Google News: Mountain West Football
