Meet the five nominees for Girls Prep Athlete of the Week, including four volleyball stars and one standout swimmer. Vote until noon on Friday, Nov. 14.
It’s that time again to recognize some of Michigan’s top high school athletes. The Detroit Free Press Buffalo Wild Wings Girls Prep Athlete of the Week poll is officially live, spotlighting five exceptional performers who dominated their sports from Nov. 2–8.
This week’s group features four volleyball standouts and one elite swimmer, each of whom delivered game-changing performances as the fall season nears its peak. Fans can cast their votes until noon on Friday, Nov. 14, choosing from a field of athletes who stood out for their grit, skill, and clutch play.
Here’s a closer look at the nominees, listed alphabetically by last name.
Gabby DiVita – Grosse Pointe South (Volleyball)
Grosse Pointe South’s senior powerhouse Gabby DiVita continues to strengthen her case as one of Michigan’s top volleyball players — and as a strong contender for Miss Volleyball.
DiVita led the Blue Devils to wins over Grosse Pointe North and Detroit Renaissance, punching their ticket to the regional semifinals. Her performance was nothing short of dominant. Over the two matches, she recorded an eye-popping 63 kills, averaging an incredible nine kills per set, and hit with a .426 percentage — elite production at this level.
She wasn’t just electric on offense. DiVita also added 27 digs and four blocks, proving once again that she’s a complete player who impacts every part of the court. As Grosse Pointe South advances deeper into postseason play, her leadership and explosive playmaking continue to lift her team.
Brenna Mirovsky – Oxford (Volleyball)
For Oxford, the road to its first district championship since 2002 was anything but easy. The Wildcats had to battle through two full five-set matches to take down both Lake Orion and Clarkston — and junior outside hitter Brenna Mirovsky was at the center of it all.
Across the two high-pressure victories, Mirovsky delivered a two-game total of 22 kills, 35 digs, three blocks, and seven serving assists. Her consistency and calm under pressure helped Oxford survive a gauntlet of long rallies and tight sets.
Ending a two-decade district title drought is already impressive, but doing it in back-to-back five-set thrillers only highlights Oxford’s resilience — and Mirovsky’s critical role in making history.
Kayla Nwabueze – Bloomfield Hills (Volleyball)
If there was a statement victory anywhere in the state last week, it came from Bloomfield Hills — and senior hitter Kayla Nwabueze led the charge.
In a historic win over powerhouse Bloomfield Hills Marian on Friday, Nov. 7, Nwabueze showed why she’s considered one of the state’s most dangerous attackers — and a leading Miss Volleyball candidate.
Her week included two standout matches:
- Wednesday, Nov. 5: 35 kills, 13 digs, 3 aces in a 3–1 win
- Friday, Nov. 7: 30 kills, 21 digs, 2 blocks in the upset victory
That’s 65 kills in two matches, along with major defensive contributions. Nwabueze’s ability to take over games has helped Bloomfield Hills punch its ticket to the regional semifinals — and makes her one of the most exciting athletes to watch during the postseason push.
Ashlyn Taylor – Gibraltar Carlson (Swimming)
The only non-volleyball athlete in this week’s poll, senior swimmer Ashlyn Taylor delivered a performance that was impossible to ignore. At the two-day Downriver League Championship, Taylor powered Gibraltar Carlson to a league title by winning two individual races, setting personal bests in both.
Her standout events included:
- 100-yard backstroke: 1:02.21
- 200-yard individual medley: 2:18.79
Taylor’s consistency and improvement reflect months of training and exceptional discipline. Her wins helped Carlson secure the league championship and added two more impressive milestones to her senior season résumé. With states approaching, Taylor’s momentum couldn’t be stronger.
Eleanor Williams – Romeo (Volleyball)
Romeo may have entered the 2025 volleyball postseason unranked in Division 1, but thanks in part to junior rightside hitter Eleanor Williams, the Bulldogs are making a lot of noise.
Romeo stunned everyone with a 3–2 upset victory over No. 7 Utica Eisenhower on Thursday, Nov. 6. That came just days after defeating Auburn Hills Avondale on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Williams played a major role in both wins, putting up a two-match total of:
- 35 kills
- 21 digs
- 4 blocks
- 5 aces
Her aggressive swings, reliable defense, and clutch serving helped Romeo punch above its ranking and advance deeper into tournament play. Williams’ breakout performances earned her a well-deserved spot among this week’s top athletes.
How to Vote
Fans can cast their vote for the Detroit Free Press Buffalo Wild Wings Girls Prep Athlete of the Week through Friday, Nov. 14 at noon. The poll showcases athletes who represent the best of Michigan high school sports — hard work, discipline, and competitive spirit.
Whether it’s volleyball powerhouses dominating the court or a standout swimmer rewriting personal bests, this week’s nominees highlight the depth of talent across the state.
Miss the Nomination Deadline?
If you didn’t submit a nomination in time, don’t worry — the Free Press accepts weekly submissions until 10 a.m. each Monday for the previous week’s games. Nominations for the week of Nov. 2–8 can be submitted at freep.com/athlete.
Just remember: the nomination link cannot be used to vote. Voting must be done through the poll itself.
