ODESSA, Texas (September 15, 2026) – Middle hitter Nickilah Whatley of The University of Texas Permian Basin volleyball team was named the LSC Defensive Player of the Week for the third week of the regular season ending on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Whatley is the first Falcon in program history to be named the LSC Defensive Player of the Week.
 
Whatley had 13 blocks and 12 digs to lead a 2-0 record at the LSC Challenge Weekend against UT Dallas and St. Edward's. Whatley added 13 kills – eight in a sweep of UTD – three service aces and three assists. Whatley and company allowed just a .140 hitting percentage. In a 3-2 win over SEU, Whatley had a match-high eight blocks with nine digs. She has helped the Falcons to a 5-1 start to the season.

UTPB Head Coach Melissa Avila said, "Kilah is so strong at the net, not only does she score a lot of points from her block, but she gets a ton of quality touches allowing us to be effective in transition. She is so vocal when she is at the net and is truly an offensive blocker."

Conference play begins this week as the Falcons will open up LSC action on the road, traveling to Austin, Texas, for a rematch against St. Edward's starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 18.