University of Georgia Athletics
Photo by: Sofia Yaker/UGAAA
Artiles Collects Second SEC Freshman of the Week Award
September 21, 2026 | Volleyball
ATHENS, Ga. – For the second time this season, University of Georgia freshman opposite hitter Gigi Artiles has been named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week, the league announced Monday.
"Gigi continues to grow and improve each week," head coach Tom Black said. "She is eager to do whatever is needed for the team, and that selflessness only adds to her competitive fire."
This is Artiles' second SEC Freshman of the Week award after winning it on Aug. 31.
Artiles, a native of Miami, recorded her first-career double-double in Georgia's win against Georgia Tech on Saturday, Sept .19 with her first-career 20-kill match (26) and first-career double-digit dig match (17), which led the contest in both categories and was a season/career high in each. Her 26 kills rank eighth in a five-set match in Georgia rally scoring history, and her 27.5 points in the match ties for 10th-most in a five-set match. Artiles' 17 digs are a season-high for a Bulldog in 2026. Artiles tallied eight kills in the third and seven in the fourth. She hit .600 in the fourth.
Artiles' second SEC weekly award came a week after Bianna Muoneke (Player of the Week) and Chloe Elarton (Setter of the Week) were recognized by the league.
Georgia, who is on a five-match win streak, opens Southeastern Conference play on Wednesday, Sept. 23, when South Carolina comes to Athens. The match will start at 7 p.m. and will air live on SEC Network.
"Gigi continues to grow and improve each week," head coach Tom Black said. "She is eager to do whatever is needed for the team, and that selflessness only adds to her competitive fire."
This is Artiles' second SEC Freshman of the Week award after winning it on Aug. 31.
Artiles, a native of Miami, recorded her first-career double-double in Georgia's win against Georgia Tech on Saturday, Sept .19 with her first-career 20-kill match (26) and first-career double-digit dig match (17), which led the contest in both categories and was a season/career high in each. Her 26 kills rank eighth in a five-set match in Georgia rally scoring history, and her 27.5 points in the match ties for 10th-most in a five-set match. Artiles' 17 digs are a season-high for a Bulldog in 2026. Artiles tallied eight kills in the third and seven in the fourth. She hit .600 in the fourth.
Artiles' second SEC weekly award came a week after Bianna Muoneke (Player of the Week) and Chloe Elarton (Setter of the Week) were recognized by the league.
Georgia, who is on a five-match win streak, opens Southeastern Conference play on Wednesday, Sept. 23, when South Carolina comes to Athens. The match will start at 7 p.m. and will air live on SEC Network.
Players Mentioned
Saturday, September 19
Tuesday, September 08
Saturday, August 29
Friday, August 28