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Fisk University

Lee Makes History with National Honors

Kayla Lee Photo by MTSU Athletics
Kayla Lee Photo by MTSU Athletics
February 17, 2026

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fisk University sophomore guard Kayla Lee made history by becoming the first women's basketball player to win both the Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honors from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Reacting to her unprecedented achievement, Lee expressed her gratitude and humility: "Wow, I am the first? That is amazing," she said. "I try my best to put my team in the best position to win. I don't pay that much attention to stats, but my family does. I feel blessed to be able to have the ability to play basketball. I appreciate the support from my coaches, teammates and everyone else."

Lee capped the NAIA regular-season weekly awards in impressive fashion, recording a pair of triple-doubles that earned her both the Gared Performance Sports Systems NAIA Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week awards for February 17. Over the week, she averaged 31.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. Her week began with a dominant performance against Simmons, where she tallied 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 steals, along with three blocks and two assists, leading her team to a 70-55 victory.

In her following game against Oakwood University, Lee continued her stellar play with a remarkable 5-by-5 performance: 28 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, seven blocks, and five steals, although Fisk ultimately fell 76-68. Throughout the week, she was efficient at the free-throw line, making 12 of 18 attempts (67 percent), and shot 47.9 percent from the field, including five successful three-pointers. Defensively, Lee finished the week with 16 steals and 10 blocks, playing all 40 minutes in the victory over Simmons and 39 minutes in the contest against Oakwood.

Lee's outstanding performances marked the first time a player has been recognized as both the Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week since the awards were split into two categories. She and her Fisk teammates are set to conclude the regular season with a game against Rust College on Saturday.