Atkinson, Bergjans Crowned Mercer Student-Athletes Of The Week

MACON – An impressive encore on the gridiron, as well as a dominating performance on the volleyball court, bore additional recognition on Monday when freshman quarterback Braden Atkinson and sophomore Sammi Bergjans were named Mercer Student-Athletes of the Week for the week ending September 21.

A product of Rolesville, N.C., Atkinson threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns on 29-of-35 passing with no interceptions as the Bears rumbled past The Citadel on Saturday. Atkinson became the first quarterback in three years to log four touchdown passes in a game, throwing scoring passes of 18, 29, 12 and 8 yards.

Bergjans, a Wentzville, Mo., native, totaled 65 digs (5.91/set), nine service aces and 24 digs (2.18/set) as the Bears went 3-for-3 at the Mercer Invitational. She logged 20 or more assists in all three outings, and notched a double-double with 23 assists and 10 digs in four sets against UT Martin. She also produced seven service aces against West Georgia.

2025-26 MERCER STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Week Ending	Male Honoree	Female Honoree	Official Release
September 21	Braden Atkinson, Football	Sammi Bergjans, Volleyball	September 22
September 14	Andrew Zock, Football	Nikki Harris, Cross Country	September 15
September 7	Henry Hampshaw, Men's Soccer	Morganne Eikelbarner, Women's Soccer	September 8

Atkinson, Bergjans Crowned Mercer Student-Athletes Of The Week

Players Mentioned

Braden Atkinson

Sammi Bergjans

Andrew Zock

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