GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Rise outside hitter Paige Briggs-Romine has been named the Major League Volleyball Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Tuesday.
Briggs-Romine delivered the best performance of her three-year professional career on Friday, Jan. 23, in a 3-1 road win over the San Diego Mojo, recording a match-high 23 points and 22 kills while hitting .327. She also led the team defensively with 18 digs (4.5 per set) and was outstanding in serve receive, finishing with 28 receptions and just one error (86% positive, 46% perfect), while adding one service ace.
In addition to her career-best offensive output, Briggs-Romine’s all-around play was instrumental in the Rise’s road victory, as she paced the team in digs and anchored the back row with efficient, mistake-free passing.
On the season, Briggs-Romine leads the Rise in points (66) and kills (55), ranks second on the team in digs (54), and sits third in blocks (9). Her consistency on both sides of the ball has been a key factor in Grand Rapids’ success through the opening three weeks of the season.
This marks Briggs-Romine’s second career Player of the Week honor, presented by Franklin Sports, and the sixth in Rise franchise history. She becomes the first Rise player to win the award twice and just the fifth player in league history to do so, joining Alisha Childress, Leah Edmond, Natalia Valentin-Anderson, and Sydney Hilley.
Briggs-Romine and the Rise return to action on Thursday, Jan. 29, when Grand Rapids hosts the defending champion Orlando Valkyries. First serve is set for 7 p.m. from Van Andel Arena.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL
Major League Volleyball, competing in its third season, is the longest-running formal professional volleyball league 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 Athletic Club Grand Rapids, which will begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2027. Visit grrise.com for more information.
Photo by Nicolas Carrillo/Rise