MIAMI — FIU softball's Kennedy Byrd, who homered three times in a series win over Louisiana Tech, has been recognized by Conference USA (CUSA) as its Player of the Week, as announced on Monday afternoon.

Byrd, a senior from Benson, N.C., powered the Panthers to a series victory on the road with four extra base hits, with three homers and a double, and had five RBI in the three-game set at Louisiana Tech. She went 6-for-8 overall and reached base safely in 9-of-11 at-bats, hitting .750 while scoring five runs. Byrd had a two-homer game for the FIU in Game Two of the series and launched a solo shot in the series-clinching finale. 

This is the Panthers first weekly honor of the season and first overall since Byrd earned Pitcher of the Week last season on March 17, 2025. Byrd becomes FIU's first Player of the Week since Venessa Gallegos earned this honor on February 15, 2021. 

BAPTIST HEALTH
The 2026 FIU Softball season is presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics.

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