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BAY CITY, MI -- Each week through the 2025 high school fall sports season, we spotlight athletes from volleyball, boys soccer, girls golf, boys tennis, girls swimming and boys and girls cross country with our MLive Bay City Athlete of the Week project. We recognize athletes for a job well done and give readers a chance to decide the weekly honor. Cast your vote as often as you’d like until the poll closes at 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3. LAURYN BITZER, JOHN GLENN Bitzer is a go-to player for the John Glenn volleyball team, and that holds true in all phases of the team aspect. The third-year varsity standout is a rock-solid leader, both vocally and by example. “Whether it’s delivering a clutch point or diving for a game-saving dig, she consistently rises to the occasion,” coach Jessica Burley said. “She sets the tone with her commitment, energy and heart. Her presence on the court is a steadying force, and her impact on the program will be felt long after the final whistle.” Bitzer leads the Bobcats in kills and digs per game, displaying her all-around skills. ABBY GRZEGORCZYK, PINCONNING Opponents might not want to overlook Pinconning’s secret weapon at the volleyball net. Grzegorczyk’s tenacity allows her to be sneaky effective for the Spartans. “Abby might be undersized for a middle, but what she lacks in height, she more than makes up for in grit, determination and effort,” coach Annie Powers said. “She’s quick, has a great vertical, and uses her speed and instincts to her advantage. Other teams often underestimate her, but she continues to surprise everyone with the impact she makes at the net.” The junior has a knack for reading and reacting to the play and has excellent ball placement. MIA JANICKE, BAY CITY WESTERN The Western volleyball team never has to question the commitment of Janicke, who continually goes the extra mile for the Warriors. “Always the first to volunteer and the last to give up, Mia consistently hustles and gives her best effort in every drill,” coach Jessie Grant said. “Her leadership, consistency and drive make her an invaluable part of the team.” Janicke leads the Warriors in digs from her libero position. Her attitude and work ethic help set the tone for the team in each practice. HADLEY JONES, CLARE With Jones at the service line for the Clare volleyball teams, the Pioneers know they’re about to get the point off to a strong start. She serves at a 91 percent clip and is among team leaders in serve rating. She has a knack for throwing opponents out of whack with her serving talents. “Hadley has excelled in her role this season and has truly been an asset to our team,” coach Shannon Taylor said. “She brings consistency, energy and humor to every day, and she is the kind of teammate who makes everyone around her better.” EMMA KELLY, ESSEXVILLE GARBER It’s safe to say Kelly has grown into her role with the Garber volleyball team. A 5-foot libero as a freshman, he has sprouted into a 5-foot-10 outside hitter. “Emma puts up a big block on the right side for us,” coach Kim Kokaly said. “That’s a skill set that she had to familiarize herself with. As a libero, you don’t get that opportunity. Emma has a great personality and finds ways to make us laugh even in stressful situations.” A defensive specialist until her move to the front, she gives the Tri-Valley Conference Red champion Dukes an added weapon at the net. AYRIONA MAIKRZEK, OWENGAGE The Owendale-Gagetown volleyball team features a take-charge leader on the court. Maikrzek has established herself as a true floor general at setter in her junior season. “This girl brings her A-game every day,” coach Barbara Hellebuyck said. “Ayriona runs an effective 5-1 offense and works very hard to send a good set. She takes her job seriously and will push you out of the way so she can do her job.” She has been a spark as the Bulldogs rattled off 10 straight victories and eclipsed the 20-win mark. GRACE MEYERS, BAY CITY WESTERN With a dazzling performance at regionals, Meyers became the fastest freshman in the history of Western girls cross country. She clocked in at 18:33.2 to qualify for the state finals. “She has learned a lot throughout this season about the nuances of racing at a high level,” coach Mike Nesbitt said. “It started with how to go out at the start of a 5K and (now includes) how to keep running hard when everything hurts in the last mile. We could tell she was hurting at the 2-mile, but she pushed through it and ran a faster third mile than her second mile.” The Bay County Championship winner placed sixth in a power-packed regional. BEN NICHOL, JOHN GLENN The John Glenn boys soccer team got a bit of a surprise when Nichol joined the varsity squad for the first time as a senior. He quickly showed he could contribute at that level with his aggressive play. “Ben has been great for our team this year,” coach Brian Scherzer said. “He has a great attitude and gives 110 percent every practice and every time he steps into the game. Ben is a super kid and is always working hard, upbeat and easy to coach.” While he doesn’t have a pile of stats, he brings the intangibles and a penchant for setting up teammates. GRACIE SOCIER, ESSEXVILLE GARBER Socier tackles a unique dual-sport schedule, competing with both the Garber girls golf team and girls swimming team. The third-year varsity swimmer is in her first year as captain. “She took on this challenge freshman year and has been doing it for three years,” Garber swim coach Erin Dowd said. “I know both her golf team and her swim team can count on her. Even when she comes to practice late because of golf, she gets in and swims hard. I know she is always giving her best to our team.” She ranked fifth in Bay County this year with a 51.6 scoring average in golf and can swim a variety of events as a medley performer. CASS WALRAVEN, ESSEXVILLE GARBER The Garber boys soccer team has an emerging talent in Walraven. The sophomore forward and midfielder showed his potential down the stretch, delivering three goals on the season. “He is a speedy player with amazing skills, able to slice through defenses,” coach Brent Betzold said. “Cass creates opportunities for his teammates by demanding a double team to prevent him from going to goal. I look forward to seeing what he can accomplish next season.” He stepped forward with a pivotal goal to spring the Dukes to victory in their final regular season contest. MLive player polls are non-scientific ventures, designed to promote fun, fandom and discussion. The winners receive no prize and the results have no bearing on postseason awards. Use of any form of automated voting is contrary to the intent and is not allowed. Votes are not always tabulated immediately. If you receive a “Thank you for voting” message, your vote will be counted.
