George Mason’s Zahariev Earns National Player of the Week Honors
Fairfax, VA – George Mason senior setter Georgi Zahariev has been named the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) National Collegiate Men’s Player of the Week, the organization announced Tuesday. This recognition comes just one day after he received the EIVA Offensive Player of the Week award.
First National Award for Zahariev, 10th for the Program
This is Zahariev’s first national weekly award of his collegiate career. It’s as well the ninth time a George Mason player has been honored with the AVCA award, representing the program’s 10th overall award in men’s volleyball history.
Dominating Weekend Performance
Zahariev’s performance was instrumental in George Mason’s 2-0 weekend, securing victories against No. 19 NJIT, and Dominican. He excelled in a 3-1 win over NJIT on Friday, recording a season-high 53 assists, just one shy of his career best. He also contributed three blocks and a service ace in that match.
He continued his strong play on Sunday, leading the team to a sweep over Dominican with a game-high 38 assists, three block assists, a .938 service percentage, and another service ace.
Statistical Breakdown of Zahariev’s Weekend
Over the two matches, Zahariev totaled 91 assists (13.00 per set), 15 digs (2.14 per set), two service aces, an .882 service percentage, a .571 hitting percentage, six blocks, four kills, and nine total points.
National and Conference Rankings
Zahariev currently leads the EIVA and ranks 12th nationally with an average of 10.02 assists per set. He is the 57th EIVA student-athlete to earn the AVCA national award and the 10th Patriot to receive the honor.
A Legacy of Patriot Winners
Previous George Mason AVCA National Collegiate Men’s Player of the Week winners include:
- Georgi Zahariev – March 1, 2026
- Jack Bolz – March 31, 2024
- Omar Hoyos – March 19, 2023
- Paco Velez – March 3, 2015
- Hudson Bates – January 30, 2006
- James Claney – March 11, 2002
- Scott Kittleson – February 18, 2002
- Jason Wight – April 23, 2001
- Mike Mauro – March 20, 1995, and February 21, 1994
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches
George Mason will travel to North Carolina next week for two matches. They will face Queens University of Charlotte on Friday, March 6, at 6 p.m., followed by a game against Belmont Abbey in Belmont on Saturday, March 7, at 4 p.m.
FAQ
Q: How many times has Georgi Zahariev won the AVCA National Player of the Week award?
A: This is his first time winning the award.
Q: How many total AVCA National Player of the Week awards has George Mason won?
A: George Mason has won 10 AVCA National Player of the Week awards.
Q: Who was the last George Mason player to win the AVCA National Player of the Week award before Zahariev?
A: Jack Bolz won the award on March 31, 2024.
