University of Tennessee Athletics
Madison Bryant Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week
March 08, 2021 | Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Fresh off a series sweep of Mississippi State, Tennessee libero Madison Bryant has been named SEC Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.
Bryant anchored the Lady Vol backline against Mississippi State, averaging 4.71 digs per set. Her defense and passing was crucial for UT as the sophomore played a key role in digging tough attacks from the Bulldogs all weekend to sustain rallies and transition the Lady Vols into attack.
Bryant tallied 18 digs in the opening match and followed that with 15 digs in the second match on Saturday.
"After a great weekend for our entire team, we are proud that Maddie B. has also been recognized as Defensive Player of the Week," head coach Eve Rackham Watt said. "She continues to improve each match and has put in a tremendous amount of individual work. Our entire staff is extremely happy for Maddie."
The Anderson, South Carolina, native set a career-high in service aces in Saturday's match with three as the service pressure she applied to MSU forced it into making mistakes in reception and kept the Bulldog offense out of rhythm.
Bryant also chipped in with nine assists over the seven sets UT played this weekend.
This is the third weekly award a Lady Vol has won this season, following Natalie Hayward who won SEC Player of the Week and Setter of the Week on February 15 and Lily Felts who was named SEC Player of the Week and Offensive Player of the Week November 23.
It is the first weekly conference award win for Bryant.
Tennessee hits the road for the first time this spring as it travels to Arkansas for a pair of matches on March 13 and 14. Both matches begin at 3 p.m. ET.
For the most up-to-date information on Tennessee volleyball, follow @Vol_Vball on Twitter and Instagram.
Bryant anchored the Lady Vol backline against Mississippi State, averaging 4.71 digs per set. Her defense and passing was crucial for UT as the sophomore played a key role in digging tough attacks from the Bulldogs all weekend to sustain rallies and transition the Lady Vols into attack.
Bryant tallied 18 digs in the opening match and followed that with 15 digs in the second match on Saturday.
"After a great weekend for our entire team, we are proud that Maddie B. has also been recognized as Defensive Player of the Week," head coach Eve Rackham Watt said. "She continues to improve each match and has put in a tremendous amount of individual work. Our entire staff is extremely happy for Maddie."
The Anderson, South Carolina, native set a career-high in service aces in Saturday's match with three as the service pressure she applied to MSU forced it into making mistakes in reception and kept the Bulldog offense out of rhythm.
Bryant also chipped in with nine assists over the seven sets UT played this weekend.
This is the third weekly award a Lady Vol has won this season, following Natalie Hayward who won SEC Player of the Week and Setter of the Week on February 15 and Lily Felts who was named SEC Player of the Week and Offensive Player of the Week November 23.
It is the first weekly conference award win for Bryant.
Tennessee hits the road for the first time this spring as it travels to Arkansas for a pair of matches on March 13 and 14. Both matches begin at 3 p.m. ET.
For the most up-to-date information on Tennessee volleyball, follow @Vol_Vball on Twitter and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
VB | Eve Rackham Watt Press Conference (8.25.25)
Monday, August 25
Everything Orange S2 I Volleyball Mashup
Thursday, October 03
VB | Tennessee vs. Western Kentucky Highlights (12.2.23)
Saturday, December 02
VB | Tennessee Press Conference vs. Western Kentucky (12.2.23)
Saturday, December 02
