RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. -  Kaylon Partain earns her second GAC Defensive Player of the Year honors of 2026 as reported by the Great American Conference on Monday.

The Atlanta, Texas native recorded 64 digs this past week, averaging 8.00 digs per set across the two wins versus Southern Arkansas and Harding. The national leader in digs (385), Partain recorded 21 digs across three sets, averaging 7.00 digs per set against Southern Arkansas on Tuesday.

Then, on Thursday, Partain collected a career-high 43 digs in an effort that saw the Reddies defeat the conference leader Harding in five sets. In that winning effort, Partain averaged 8.60 digs per set, and recorded a service ace.

Partain and Henderson State (8-7, 2-1) look to continue their win streak this week, beginning in Monticello on Tuesday. The match against the UAM Cotton Blossoms is scheduled to take place in the Fieldman Steelhouse at 6:00 P.M.