CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson libero McKenna Gildon and setter Katherine Sandt have been named the ACC Defensive and Co-Setter of the Week, respectively, the conference office announced Monday. The honors are the first in Gildon’s career and the second of the season for Sandt. These awards are also the second and third weekly honor the Tigers have garnered during the 2025 campaign.
Gildon, a Big Orange Bash All-Tournament Team selection, finished with the second-most digs and digs per set in the ACC last weekend. On the year, she is second in the ACC in total digs with 192 while ranking fifth in digs per set (4.09). The junior aided in Clemson completing its nonconference slate with a perfect 12-0 record for the best start by the Tigers since 1999. Her weekend was highlighted by a career-high 26 digs and 11 assists for her first career double-double in the weekend finale against Charleston Southern. With her guidance in the back row, not only did Clemson lead the ACC during the week in digs, but the Tigers also lead the ACC in both digs and digs per set on the year while ranking in the top 20 nationally in both categories.
Sandt, who leads the ACC with 476 total assists on the year and sits fourth nationally, earned her second ACC weekly award of both the season and her career following last week’s performance. Sandt was named the Heather Kahl Holmes Setter of the Tournament at the Big Orange Bash after the redshirt sophomore recorded 137 total assists during the three-match stretch which led the ACC and was the 10th-highest nationally. She finished with a season-high 52 assists against Georgetown and had 40+ assists through all three matches. She leads the Tigers on the year with 17 total aces after recording nine over the weekend. She rounds out her stats with 131 digs (second most on the team), 16 blocks and 51.5 points.
Clemson is set to open ACC play on Friday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. in Jervey Gym against Florida State. The Tigers conclude their month-long home stand on Sunday, Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. when they host Miami (Fla.). All home matches inside Jervey Gym are free and open to the public. Both matches will also be available to stream on ACCNX.
