The Grand Rapids Rise have signed 6-foot-3 middle blocker Leah Meyer for the 2026 Major League Volleyball season, adding a proven force to the team’s frontcourt. Meyer enjoyed a decorated collegiate career at Duke and Kentucky and brings five years of professional experience competing at the highest levels in France and Romania.
“Leah is a fast, dynamic middle who brings an exciting presence on both sides of the net,” said Rise head coach and VP of volleyball operations Cathy George. “She combines quick feet and great movement to be a constant threat in our attack, while also providing a strong, reliable block defensively. Given her outstanding collegiate career and valuable professional experience gained overseas, we believe she’ll be a tremendous addition to our team this season.”
Meyer most recently played in France for Levallois Paris Saint-Cloud during the 2024-25 season, helping the team capture the French Saforelle Power 6 title. The year prior, she competed with RC Cannes in 2023-24, guiding the club to a French Supercup runner-up finish. She also spent three seasons in Romania with CSM Târgoviște, earning podium finishes in both the Romanian League and Romanian Cup.
A native of Lancaster, New York, Meyer played collegiately at Duke University (2015-18) and the University of Kentucky (2019). She tallied 1,153 kills, 580 blocks and 1,507 points over her NCAA career, helping her teams to an 81-42 (.659) combined record. At Duke, she was a two-time All-ACC First Team selection (2016, 2018) and earned All-ACC Freshman Team honors in 2015. In her lone season at Kentucky, Meyer helped the Wildcats to a 25-7 record, an NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 berth and received AVCA All-America Honorable Mention honors.
Three weeks ago, Meyer was named an assistant coach and director of volleyball operations at the University at Buffalo, adding a coaching perspective to her already extensive volleyball résumé.