Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Photo by: Peter Borkowski
Kraus Named MVC Newcomer of the Week
02/16/2026 | 2:00:00 | Women's Basketball
CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Missouri Valley Conference named their weekly honors for women's basketball on Monday, and Alayna Kraus of Southern Illinois got the nod as Newcomer of the Week.
"Alayna's success is a reflection of her daily habits," says head coach Kelly Bond-White. "What stands out isn't just her production, but her poise and willingness to grow. She competes, she prepares, and she's earned our trust in big moments. This recognition is well deserved and only the beginning for her."
Kraus began last week with 30 points in SIU's 86-60 win over Illinois State on Friday. This was Kraus' first 30-point game of her career and she hit the mark thanks to an efficient 12-21 night from the field while knocking down four threes. She also dished out three assists in the win. Then, in Southern's Sunday game versus Bradley, Kraus led all scorers with 18 points.
The Oral Roberts transfer has scored 18 or more points in six straight games now as she currently averages 15.1 points-per-game off 41.1% shooting. Kraus is the first Saluki to earn a weekly MVC honor this season and is the first Southern player to earn a weekly award since Gift Uchenna was named Newcomer of the Week on February 10, 2025.
Follow the Salukis
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_WBasketball, on Instagram at @SIU_WBasketball, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiAthletics. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
"Alayna's success is a reflection of her daily habits," says head coach Kelly Bond-White. "What stands out isn't just her production, but her poise and willingness to grow. She competes, she prepares, and she's earned our trust in big moments. This recognition is well deserved and only the beginning for her."
Kraus began last week with 30 points in SIU's 86-60 win over Illinois State on Friday. This was Kraus' first 30-point game of her career and she hit the mark thanks to an efficient 12-21 night from the field while knocking down four threes. She also dished out three assists in the win. Then, in Southern's Sunday game versus Bradley, Kraus led all scorers with 18 points.
The Oral Roberts transfer has scored 18 or more points in six straight games now as she currently averages 15.1 points-per-game off 41.1% shooting. Kraus is the first Saluki to earn a weekly MVC honor this season and is the first Southern player to earn a weekly award since Gift Uchenna was named Newcomer of the Week on February 10, 2025.
Follow the Salukis
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_WBasketball, on Instagram at @SIU_WBasketball, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiAthletics. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
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