GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Rise outside hitter Erika Pritchard has been named the Week 4 Pro Volleyball Federation Player of the Week presented by Franklin Sports, as announced by the League office on Tuesday. She becomes the second consecutive Rise player to earn the honor, following Carli Snyder’s selection for Week 3.
Prichard finished the week with 41 points (31 kills on a .352 hitting percentage, seven blocks, three aces) across two wins, recording 5.13 points per set. She had a Rise season-high 27 points (21 kills, five blocks, one ace) in a five-set victory over the Orlando Valkyries on Jan. 30, then followed that up with 14 points (10 kills, two blocks, two aces) in a sweep of the San Diego Mojo on Feb. 2.
In her second season with the Rise, Pritchard has played an integral role in the team’s franchise-record four-match winning streak, which has seen the team climb into a tie for third place in the PVF standings. The Frederick, Maryland, native ranks among the Rise’s leaders this season with 66 kills (2nd), 80 points (2nd), 11 blocks (3rd) and three aces (T3rd).
This is Pritchard’s first career PVF Player of the Week honor. She is the third player in Rise history to receive the League’s weekly award, following Snyder and former Rise opposite hitter Emiliya Dimitrova, who earned the accolade for Week 4 last season.
As part of this recognition, Pritchard will receive a Kendra Scott Volleyball Pendant Necklace in white mother-of-pearl. The award is part of PVF’s recently announced partnership with Kendra Scott to advance a mutually shared goal of empowering girls and young women and supporting organizations with that same mission.
Pritchard and the Rise will return to action this Friday, Feb. 7 when they travel to Columbus to take on the Fury at 7 p.m. The match can be viewed on PVF’s YouTube channel.
ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.
ABOUT THE GRAND RAPIDS RISE
Founded in December 2022 as the first Pro Volleyball Federation franchise, the Grand Rapids Rise made their debut at Van Andel Arena on Jan. 25, 2024. Led by longtime Michigan State and Western Michigan head coach Cathy George, the Rise reached the championship match during their inaugural season. The team is operated by DP Fox Sports & Entertainment and owned by Dan DeVos, who is also majority owner and CEO of the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins and minority owner of West Michigan Soccer, which will begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2027. Visit grrise.com for more information.