FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has unveiled its 2025 Volleyball All-MIAA award winners, honoring standout student-athletes who excelled throughout another competitive season. Award winners will be recognized on Friday between the two semifinal matches at Hope College.
Most Valuable Player: Lauren Lee, Hope College
Hope senior setter Lauren Lee has been named the MIAA Most Valuable Player after guiding the Flying Dutch to their third-straight 8-0 conference season and the top seed in the 2025 MIAA Volleyball Tournament. The 2022 MIAA Freshman of the Year and a four-time First Team All-MIAA selection, Lee twice earned MIAA Specialist of the Week honors this fall and leads the conference with 305 assists (11.30 per set).
Graduating as Hope’s career leader in assists and one of the most decorated players in program history, Lee has orchestrated a balanced and highly efficient offense, featuring five players averaging more than two kills per set and a team hitting percentage of .260. She has also reached personal bests in kill production as a setter. Hope’s conference-leading efficiency and kill output have been driven in large part by Lee’s command of the court.
Defensive Player of the Year: Tryna Vander Zwaag, Calvin University
Calvin junior libero Tryna Vander Zwaag has been selected as the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year after anchoring the Knights to a 7-1 regular-season record and the second seed in the conference tournament. Vander Zwaag ranks second in the league with 134 digs and 5.15 digs per set, earned a spot on the 2025 All-MIAA Second Team, and was named MIAA Volleyball Specialist of the Week on November 3. She is Calvin’s leader on the floor and the program’s primary serve receiver, consistently stabilizing the back-row unit throughout the season.
Senior Impact Award: Grace Braselton, Saint Mary’s College
Saint Mary’s senior Grace Braselton has been honored with the Senior Impact Award, recognizing her far-reaching influence on campus, in the community, and within the MIAA. A Psychology major with a 3.5 grade-point average, Braselton balances a demanding schedule while showing up daily as a leader for the Belles. Her passion for mental health advocacy has shaped team culture, and her enthusiasm for Division III athletics reflects her commitment to supporting and uplifting fellow student-athletes.
Braselton’s involvement across campus and beyond is extensive. She has served two years on Saint Mary’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and represents the institution on the MIAA SAAC, also contributing to the Student Government Committee for SAAC. She coaches with NIVA Volleyball Club, works summer camps, and serves as a Red Glasses Ambassador, bringing the movement to Saint Mary’s and coordinating an annual Red Glasses game.
Her service work includes volunteering with Healthwin Retirement Home, where she values time spent with elderly residents, especially those without family connections. She is treasurer of the Tennis Club, vice president of the yearbook club, and a Mental Health Advocate for the volleyball program, leading a weekly initiative called Mindset Matters. Braselton also works game days for the athletic department, supports other sports, and traveled to Greece last summer for study abroad.
In January, she will attend the NCAA Convention as Saint Mary’s student representative, continuing her interest in coaching and athletics leadership. She is also involved in research with Dr. Bettina Spencer on trust and communication in coach-athlete relationships. Braselton’s positive influence spans every corner of campus, making her a standout recipient of this award.
Freshman of the Year: Sarah Bradley, Calvin University
Calvin outside hitter Sarah Bradley has been named the MIAA Freshman of the Year after an impactful debut season. Bradley earned MIAA Volleyball Player of the Week honors on November 3 and ranks in the conference’s top ten with 84 kills (3.00 per set), 13 service aces (0.46 per set), and 106 points (3.79 per set). Her offensive presence and all-around play have given Calvin a strong boost during a highly competitive season.
2025 MIAA Most Valuable Player
Lauren Lee, Hope
2025 MIAA Defensive Player of the Year
Tryna Vander Zwaag, Calvin
2025 MIAA Senior Impact Award
Grace Braselton, Saint Mary's
2025 MIAA Freshman of the Year
Sarah Bradley, Calvin
2025 Volleyball All-MIAA First Team
Aerin Baker, Calvin (3)
Kamryn Burbridge, Hope (3)
Caroline Carens, Saint Mary's (2)
Emma Ekblaw, Calvin (3)
Carly Frank, Albion (2)
Kayda Herrick, Albion
Lauren Lee, Hope (4)
Olivia Wyma, Hope
2025 Volleyball All-MIAA Second Team
Sarah Bradley, Calvin
Molly Edmunds, Albion
Emmaline Leatherman, Trine
Kathryn Oates, Hope
Payton Smith, Olivet
Tryna Vander Zwaag, Calvin
Paige Williamson, Albion (3)
Anna Zellers, Trine (2)