FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has announced its Athletes of the Week for the period covering September 8-14. 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 - Abe VanDuinen, Calvin University
Sophomore Abe VanDuinen turned in a strong performance at the Diemer Classic on Saturday, recording a career-best 8K time of 26:17.3. Competing on his home course, VanDuinen placed 12th overall and 10th among collegiate runners.
MIAA Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Week - Sophie Bull, Calvin University
Senior Sophie Bull won the Diemer Classic on Saturday with a time of 17:23.2, finishing 44 seconds ahead of the runner-up. Bull guided her freshman teammates through the opening mile before pulling away to secure the victory.
MIAA Football Offensive Athlete of the Week - Hunter Hogan, Calvin University
Sophomore wide receiver Hunter Hogan had a huge day in the Knights' 34-7 victory over Concordia-Wisconsin. Hogan ran the ball 34 times for 215 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry against a good defense. Hogan also caught four passes for 40 yards. Additionally, Hogan did an incredible job blocking when he did not have the ball in his hands. Hogan currently leads the conference with 167 rushing yards per game, 334 total rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, 12 points per game, and 24 points.
MIAA Football Defensive Athlete of the Week - Jeshua Miller, Trine University
Freshman cornerback Jeshua Miller played a key role in Trine's 27-10 win over Rose-Hulman. He recorded four solo tackles and two interceptions, including a pick-six, while totaling 96 return yards. Miller leads the conference with two interceptions, a long return of 77 yards, and 96 interception return yards.
MIAA Football Special Teams Athlete of the Week - Logan Grwinski, Albion College
Senior kicker Logan Grwinski played a crucial role in Albion's 45-39 double overtime win at Bluffton on Saturday. Grwinski was 4-of-4 on field goals, including a 29-yard field goal with six seconds left to tie the game. Additionally, six of his nine kickoffs were touchbacks. Grwinski currently leads the league with four made field goals and a long of 40 yards.
MIAA Women's Golf Athlete of the Week - Sarah Ream, Alma College
Sophomore Sarah Ream captured the individual title at the Irish Hills Invitational over the weekend. Ream posted a 76 on Friday and an 82 on Saturday for a two-day total of 158, earning her first career Medalist honor. She came out on top of a strong field while navigating tough conditions at Tecumseh Golf Club, where the greens were running at 12 or 13.
MIAA Men's Soccer Offensive Athlete of the Week - Robin Ruigendijk, Albion College
Freshman midfielder Robin Ruigendijk led the Brits to back-to-back shutouts over the week, including a 2-0 win at Cleary and a 7-0 victory over Franklin. Ruigendijk was involved in both goals against Cleary with an assist and the game-winning goal. Although Ruigendijk had limited playing time against Franklin, he still managed to score two goals for Albion.
MIAA Women's Soccer Offensive Athlete of the Week - Mia Johnson, Saint Mary's College
Freshman forward Mia Johnson led the Belles to a 3-0 shutout against Concordia-Chicago. Johnson scored all three goals for a hat-trick and had five shots. She is currently leads the conference with seven goals, 1.4 goals per game, 15 points, and 3 points per contest. Johnson is also in the MIAA's top three with 26 shots and 5.20 shots per game.
MIAA Men's Soccer Defensive Athlete of the Week - Binck-Jan Bakker, Albion College
Sophomore center back Binck-Jan Bakker played a key role in Albion's back-to-back shutouts, including a 2-0 win at Cleary and a 7-0 victory over Franklin. He nearly recorded an assist against Cleary with a long pass to midfielder Robin Ruigendijk that was deflected but still set up the goal. Bakker also stood out for his steady possession and defensive presence in the win over Franklin.
MIAA Women's Soccer Defensive Athlete of the Week - Jill Taylor, Trine University
Freshman center back Jill Taylor played phenomenally against one of the best player's in the country, Olivia Clemons, on the best team in the country. Taylor was one of two Trine athletes that played all 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against top-ranked WashU. Her combination of speed, IQ, technical ability, and instincts has been instrumental to Trine's overall success. Defending national champion WashU scored their single goal on a corner kick, which Taylor was on the other side of the box for. She locked down every attack in open play.
MIAA Men's Tennis Athlete of the Week - Cameron Crosby, Kalamazoo College
Sophomore Cameron Crosby won the A Singles competition at the Hope Fall Invitational over the weekend. His wins included an 8-5 victory over Ohio Northern's Tyler Wood, an 8-7(7-3) edge over Spring Arbor's Daniel Rodriguez in the quarterfinals, an 8-3 semifinal win against Adrian's Michael Mascarin, and an 8-6 edge over Hope's Ned Curley in the final match. Crosby and partner Derek Blackwell also went 2-1 in doubles.
MIAA Women's Tennis Athlete of the Week - Elina Locane, Trine University
Senior Elina Locane went 4-0 combined in singles and doubles this week, propelling the Thunder to a 5-0 start to the fall season. Locane teamed up with Lexi Maloney at No. 1 doubles to beat Capital (6-4) and Taylor (6-2). At No. 1 singles, Locane earned a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Capital and won 6-1, 6-4 versus Taylor. Locane is currently undefeated (5-0) at both the top doubles flight and No. 1 singles.
MIAA Volleyball Player of the Week - Carly Frank, Albion College
Junior opposite hitter Carly Frank led the Brits to a 3-0 record over the week, including a 3-2 win at Hanover, a 3-2 edge over DePauw, and a 3-0 shutout versus Blackburn where she hit .500. Frank had a career high in kills with 22 against Hanover and her first career double-double. Over the three matches, Frank totaled 59 kills (4.54 k/s), 21 digs (1.62 d/s), four blocks, and 61 points (4.69 p/s). She currently leads the conference with 4.11 kills per set,144 kills, and 154 points.
MIAA Volleyball Specialist of the Week - Molly Edmunds, Albion College
Sophomore setter Molly Edmunds had two double-doubles over the week while helping the Brits to a 3-2 win at Hanover, a 3-2 edge over DePauw, and a 3-0 victory over Blackburn. The team hit .330 over the three matches, while Edmunds totaled 126 assists (9.69 a/s), three service aces, 30 digs (2.31 d/s), six blocks, and 12.5 points. She currently leads the league with 9.66 assists per set and 338 total assists.