FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has announced its Athletes of the Week for the period covering September 29 - October 5. Each week throughout the academic year, the conference recognizes standout performances from student-athletes across its member institutions.
The MIAA Athlete of the Week honors are selected from nominations submitted by head coaches at each school. These awards spotlight the top individual efforts in competition and showcase the high level of play within the conference.
Selections are released every Monday at 4:00 p.m., with the exception of weeks impacted by federal holidays.
MIAA Men's Cross Country Athlete of the Week - Ryan Sarkett, Calvin University
Junior Ryan Sarkett was Calvin's finisher at the 20th Annual Knight Invitational. Sarkett place 17th overall with a time of 26.39.3, leading the Knights to a third-place finish.
MIAA Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Week - Sophie Bull, Calvin University
Senior Sophie Bull was the top NCAA Division III finisher at the Joe Piane Invitational, hosted by the University of Notre Dame. She placed fourth overall in a Division I-heavy field with a time of 17:23 in warm conditions -- equivalent to a 21:04 for 6k.
MIAA Football Offensive Athlete of the Week - Charlie Grant, The University of Olivet
Senior quarterback Charlie Grant led Olivet to a 47-44 edge over Kalamazoo. Grant completed 27-of-40 passes for 410 Yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions. His 410 passing yards and 414 total offensive yards rank second all-time in a single game in Olivet history, while his six touchdown passes tie the school record. In conference play, Grant leads the league with nine passing touchdowns, 632 yards, and 316.0 yards per game, and ranks among the top three with 48 completions.
MIAA Football Defensive Athlete of the Week - Liam Danitz, Hope College
Senior defensive lineman Liam Danitz anchored Hope's defense in its 55-35 win at Trine. Danitz recorded nine tackles, including four solo stops and one for an 11-yard loss. He also notched two sacks and recovered two fumbles. Overall this season, Danitz leads the conference with 17 tackle yards, three tackle assists, 4.5 total tackles for loss, 2.25 tackles for loss per game, and two fumble recoveries.
MIAA Football Special Teams Athlete of the Week - Rashawn Street, Trine University
Senior wide receiver Rashawn Street recorded three kickoff returns for 124 yards and a touchdown against Hope. Street also caught five passes for 64 yards, including a long of 31. In league play, Street leads the MIAA with 16 kickoff returns and 390 return yards
MIAA Men's Golf Athlete of the Week - Garrett James, Trine University
Senior Garrett James earned medalist honors at the third MIAA Jamboree on Saturday. In leading the Thunder to the team victory, James broke the MIAA record for the Pine River Country Club course by shooting a 65 (-6). The previous record of 67 was posted in 1984. He also tied the MIAA record for the lowest round as an individual.
MIAA Women's Golf Athlete of the Week - Jillian Smith, Kalamazoo College
Junior Jillian Smith tied for medalist honors at MIAA Jamboree No. 2 last Tuesday, held at the Medalist Golf Club. Her round of 73 matched the Kalamazoo College program record for the lowest score in women's golf history.
MIAA Men's Soccer Offensive Athlete of the Week - Christian Sweis, Alma College
Senior forward Christian Sweis led the Scots to a 3-0 shutout against Great Lakes Christian last Wednesday. Sweis propelled Alma to the victory by scoring the first two goals of the contest. Sweis is currently ranked top five in the conference with four goals this season.
MIAA Women's Soccer Offensive Athlete of the Week - Ruby Hogan, Kalamazoo College
Junior midfielder Ruby Hogan led the Hornets to a 2-0 shutout versus Saint Mary's, followed by a 2-1 edge over Adrian. In playing all 180 minutes over the week, Hogan scored a goal versus the Belles and both goals against the Bulldogs. Hogan is currently in the MIAA's top three with 26 shots on goal, seven goals, and 16 points this season.
MIAA Men's Soccer Defensive Athlete of the Week - Jasek Zielaskowski, Albion College
Junior Jasek Zielaskowski anchored Albion's defense in a 4-0 shutout versus Great Lakes Christian on Friday. Not only did Zielaskowski contribute to the Brits' sixth shutout as one of the backline starters, he also got on the scoresheet with an assist on the game-winning goal. To top it off, he added a solo-effort goal.
MIAA Women's Soccer Defensive Athlete of the Week - Olivia Dieppa, Hope College
Senior defender Olivia Dieppa was outstanding this week, anchoring Hope's defense in a 7-0 shutout versus Olivet and playing every minute in a gritty 2-1 comeback win at Alma. Dieppa was a dominant presence in the backline, locking down one of Alma’s top attackers while also helping the Flying Dutch gain momentum to score two goals for the come back win in the second half, showcasing her all-around impact and leadership. She also contributed a goal and an assist over the week.
MIAA Men's Tennis Athlete of the Week - Michael Mascarin, Adrian College
Junior Michael Mascarin went 3-1 over the weekend. Mascarin earned the lone Adrian point against Ohio Northern with a dominating 6-2, 6-0 victory at No. 1 singles. The next day, Mascarin partnered with Luca Coutinho to sweep Ohio Wesleyan, 6-0, at the top doubles flight. Marscarin went on to win his No.1 singles match 6-3, 6-2. This season, he is currently undefeated (4-0) at No. 1 singles and 3-1 at No. 1 doubles.
MIAA Volleyball Player of the Week - Natalie Dutton, Alma College
Senior right side hitter Natalie Dutton led the Scots to a 3-0 shutout at Saint Mary's, followed by a 3-1 victory over Adrian. Dutton dominated offensively against the Belles, hitting .667 with 9 kills on 12 attempts and just one error. She continued her strong performance versus the Bulldogs, hitting .524 with 12 kills on 21 attempts and only one error in a four-set win. For the week, Dutton hit .576 across both matches. In conference play along, Dutton currently leads the MIAA with a hitting percentage of .576.
MIAA Volleyball Specialist of the Week - Jaydn Cary, The University of Olivet
Senior libero Jaydn Cary assisted Olivet to a 3-0 sweep at Adrian and a 3-1 victory over Kalamazoo. Over the week, she totaled 42 digs -- 15 against the Bulldogs and 27 versus the Hornets. Cary currently leads the league wiith 314 digs this season, averaging 4.91 per set.