LAGRANGE, Ga. – LaGrange sophomore middle-blocker Kaitlyn Smith (Buckeye, Ariz.) has become the first Panther in school history to earn Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS) Player of the Week honors as she received the accolade for the week ending September 6, 2026, in an announcement by the conference on Tuesday.

Smith led the Panthers to a 2-2 start to their 2026 season, averaging 2.50 kills per set over 18 sets with 12 total blocks. At press time, her .404 hitting percentage was leading the conference.

Smith was at her best when LaGrange needed her the most, when the Panthers were pushed to five sets by the Falcons of Pfeiffer University on Saturday. The sophomore middle blocker racked up 17 kills with a .469 hitting percentage and five blocks in a thrilling 25-21, 25-13, 26-28, 26-28, 16-14 victory.

Last season saw Smith earn CCS Second Team All-Conference honors in just her rookie year.

LaGrange is back on the court on Friday when they travel to the Raleigh Invitational hosted by Guilford College and Meredith College.

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