ORLANDO — In a fitting conclusion to a historic career, Reaghan Thompson has been named the Big 12 Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season, making her the first Knight to claim the honor twice, and the fourth Knight overall this season to receive a Big 12 weekly award.
In UCF’s thrilling 3–2 road battle at Kansas State on Nov. 26, Thompson was once again the centerpiece of the Knights’ defense. Her presence at the net helped fuel UCF’s energy in the five-set comeback win with eight blocks. Two days later, at Kansas, the Knights didn’t get the result they wanted, but Thompson’s six blocks still paced the Black and Gold.
Her ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball stood out, with 16 kills and 14 blocks across the two contests, a theme that has been evident throughout her four-year collegiate career.
Thompson’s second Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week award adds to her historic recognition earlier this season, when she became the first player in program history to earn the honor. The Texas native concluded her final season with a team-leading 110 blocks.
Among active DI players, Thompson is the only athlete in the nation to boast over 900 career kills and over 400 career blocks. Thompson also becomes the fourth player in the Big 12 this season to secure two or more defensive players of the week honors in the same season.
ABOUT UCF ATHLETICS
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program, representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.