LIVINGSTON, Ala. – University of West Alabama freshman setter
Rachele Zanini has been named the Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Week for the fourth time this season, the league announced Tuesday.
Zanini's latest selection continues West Alabama's hold on the conference's Freshman of the Week award through the opening five weeks of the 2026 season. The freshman from Italy earned the honor on Sept. 1, Sept. 8 and Sept. 22, while fellow Tiger
Duru Seber received the award on Sept. 15.
Zanini helped guide the West Alabama offense during another successful week of conference play, which included home victories over Union, Auburn Montgomery, and Valdosta State.
Against AUM on Friday, Zanini finished with 35 assists and 10 digs, recording a double-double as the Tigers swept the Warhawks 3-0. UWA totaled 44 kills and hit .359 in the victory, taking the match 25-16, 25-12 and 25-18.
The freshman setter distributed the ball across the West Alabama attack, helping
Katerina Korre finish with 11 kills, Klára Bobánová with 10 and
Jazlyn Snow with six. Zanini also helped the Tigers close the third set, assisting on late kills from
Raven Grant, Snow, Korre and Seber as UWA completed the sweep.
The award adds to an impressive start to Zanini's collegiate career. She has now accounted for four of West Alabama's five consecutive GSC Freshman of the Week selections to begin the season.
West Alabama GSC Freshman of the Week Honors
Zanini and the Tigers return to action Tuesday, Sept. 29, when West Alabama travels to Christian Brothers University for a 6 p.m. Gulf South Conference matchup at Canale Arena in Memphis, Tennessee.
