UCLA men’s volleyball sophomore outside hitter Sean Kelly was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Men’s National Collegiate Player of the Week, according to a March 10 announcement from the AVCA.
The recognition is Kelly’s first time receiving the national player of the week honor and follows his selection as Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Offensive Player of the Week on March 9. The award marks the 30th time a UCLA player has earned this national distinction and is the second such honor for a Bruin in 2026. Senior Zach Rama previously received AVCA National Player of the Week honors for his performance during the week of January 19, 2026.
Kelly led UCLA in total kills during a series sweep over No. 5 USC over the weekend. He recorded a total of 38 kills, averaging 4.22 kills per set and contributing 4.72 points per set while hitting .438 and accumulating 42.5 points overall. In one match, Kelly achieved a career-high with 21 kills in a five-set win against USC, along with seven digs and two solo blocks. In another match, he added 17 kills, two aces, and six digs in a four-set victory at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial, hitting .526 on Tuesday and .343 on Friday.
The Bruins remain undefeated at 16-0, matching their best season start since 1998. They are scheduled to play next at the OUTRIGGER Invitational hosted by Hawai’i in Honolulu, facing Lewis University on Thursday at 4 p.m. Hawaii Time (7 p.m. Pacific Time).
The team’s continued success reflects strong individual performances like Kelly’s as they prepare for upcoming tournament play.
