GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – 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 First-Team All-ACC 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.
Additional roster announcements will be made throughout the free agency window as the Rise prepare for their third season, starting January 2026.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL
Major League Volleyball, entering its third season, is the longest-running formal professional volleyball league for women in the United States. Designed to elevate the sport through world class competition, commercial innovation, and cultural relevance, MLV brings together elite athletes, visionary leadership and global ambition. With alignment to USA Volleyball and a commitment to Olympic development, MLV serves as the premier pathway from professional play to the world stage. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.
ABOUT THE GRAND RAPIDS RISE
The Grand Rapids Rise made their debut in January 2024 and will play their third season in 2026 as members of Major League Volleyball. Led by longtime Michigan State and Western Michigan head coach Cathy George, the Rise reached the championship match during their inaugural season and rank among the top U.S. women’s pro volleyball teams in attendance. 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.
Photo by RC Cannes