Wesley Smith Named MPSF Defensive Player of the Week – USC Trojans
- LOS ANGELES – USC men’s volleyball continues its impressive start to the season, bolstered by the individual accolades earned by redshirt sophomore middle blocker Wesley Smith.
- The award recognizes Smith’s pivotal role in a pair of victories for the fourth-ranked Trojans over No.
- He averaged 1.38 blocks per set and accumulated 11 total blocks across the two matches.
LOS ANGELES – USC men’s volleyball continues its impressive start to the season, bolstered by the individual accolades earned by redshirt sophomore middle blocker Wesley Smith. Smith was named the MPSF/Molten Defensive Player of the Week for the week of February 2-8, the league announced on Monday, . This marks the second time Smith has received this honor in his career, with the first coming during his freshman year in .
The award recognizes Smith’s pivotal role in a pair of victories for the fourth-ranked Trojans over No. 16 CSUN and No. 15 UC Santa Barbara. USC’s undefeated run continues, now standing at 7-0, mirroring their start to last season. The team’s success is built on a strong defensive presence, and Smith’s performance exemplifies that.
Smith’s impact wasn’t limited to blocking. He averaged 1.38 blocks per set and accumulated 11 total blocks across the two matches. In a five-set thriller against CSUN, he registered six blocks (two solo) and contributed 15.0 points, reaching double-digit kills for the fourth consecutive match. He also added an ace in that contest, showcasing his all-around game. Against UC Santa Barbara, Smith added five blocks (one solo) and three kills, contributing to a total of 21.0 points and averaging 2.63 points per set over the two matches.
This is the second weekly award for a Trojan this season. Last year, USC players were recognized with MPSF weekly awards eight times, including three selections for then-senior outside hitter Dillon Klein. The program’s consistent recognition within the MPSF highlights the depth of talent and coaching within the USC men’s volleyball program.
The timing of Smith’s award comes as USC prepares for a challenging home-and-home series against No. 5 UC Irvine (11-0). The first matchup is scheduled for , at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, California, at 6 p.m. PT. Unfortunately for fans hoping to catch the action live, the match will not be streamed. The teams will then return to USC’s Galen Center for a rematch on , at 7 p.m. PT, which will be broadcast live on Big Ten Plus.
The series against UC Irvine represents a significant test for both teams. Both squads enter the contests undefeated, setting the stage for a highly competitive rivalry matchup. USC’s ability to maintain its defensive intensity, led by players like Smith, will be crucial in securing victories against a strong Irvine team. The Trojans’ 7-0 start demonstrates a commitment to consistent performance, and this series will be a key indicator of their potential for sustained success throughout the season.
Smith’s development as a key defensive player is particularly noteworthy. As a redshirt sophomore, he’s building on a promising freshman campaign where he also earned Defensive Player of the Week honors. His continued improvement and consistent contributions are vital to USC’s overall success. The combination of Smith’s blocking prowess and offensive capabilities makes him a versatile threat for opposing teams to contend with.
The Trojans’ success isn’t solely reliant on Smith, however. The team benefits from a well-rounded roster, including the offensive contributions of Dillon Klein and the overall team chemistry fostered by the coaching staff. The program’s ability to consistently attract and develop talented players is a testament to its reputation and commitment to excellence.
Looking ahead, USC will need to maintain its focus and intensity as the season progresses. The MPSF is a competitive conference, and every match presents a challenge. The upcoming series against UC Irvine will undoubtedly be a demanding test, but the Trojans appear well-prepared to face it, thanks to the strong play of individuals like Wesley Smith and the team’s overall commitment to success.
Fans can find more information about the USC men’s volleyball team at USCTrojans.com/MVB and can follow the team’s progress on social media via @USCmensvolley on Instagram, X, and Facebook.