MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The SSAC announced the 2025-26 SSAC Women's Basketball Players of the Week. Lauren Smith of UT Southern was named SSAC Women's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week and Ruthie Smith of Faulkner was named SSAC Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week. The awards are for the week of Dec. 8-14.
 
Offensive: Lauren Smith (UT Southern – JR – F – Nashville, Tenn.)

• This is her first-career honor
• Smith scored a career-high 24 points in a win over Faulkner
• She shot 90% from the field and was perfect from distance and the free throw line

 
Defensive: Ruthie Smith (Faulkner – JR – F – Rogersville, Ala.)

• This is her fourth-career honor
• She averaged 13.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals in a 1-1 week
• She posted 12 boards and four steals in a one-point win over Stillman

 
Previous Winners (Offensive, Defensive)
 
Week 1: Shakiria Chaney (ABAC), Shaneal Corpuz (William Carey)
Week 2: Ashley Dickey (UT Southern), Silkiari Vazquez-Troche (UT Southern)
Week 3: Silkiari Vazquez-Troche (UT Southern), Shaneal Corpuz (William Carey)
Week 4: Ramie Reid (UT Southern), LaTarius Montgomery (Thomas)
Week 5: Kennedy Collins (Thomas), LaTarius Montgomery (Thomas)
Week 6: Lamaria Jones (Mobile), Deniya Thornton (Loyola)
Week 7: Alissa O'Dell (Loyola), LaTarius Montgomery (Thomas)