WHITE LAKE, MICH. – The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has officially announced its All-MIAA selections, and senior Mya Minjares has been named the conference's Defensive Player of the Year. This marks Minjares' third consecutive Defensive Player of the Year honor, solidifying her as one of the most dominant defensive players in the league's history.

Mya Minjares is the first player in MIAA history to earn three-straight major awards

Throughout her stellar career, Minjares has made an incredible impact, playing a pivotal role in leading the Bulldogs to a 4-4 conference record this season. Appearing in all eight league matches, she recorded 169 digs, 28 assists, and 12 service aces. Her incredible consistency and tenacity have earned her All-MIAA recognition in each of her four collegiate seasons.

Minjares' legacy is etched in the record books, ranking second all-time in program history with 1,829 career digs. She also boasts the seventh-highest single-season digs total with 487 and ranks second in digs per set with an impressive 5.66. Minjares holds the program's record for most digs in a three-set match with 25, is fifth all-time for digs in a four-set match with 30, and ranks second all-time for digs in a five-set match with 41.

As a senior captain, Minjares played in 91 matches and 337 sets throughout her career, showcasing her versatility with 295 career assists and even tallying 16 kills. Her contributions in the black and gold have cemented her place among the greats in Bulldogs history.

"I'm honestly speechless and beyond appreciative for the amount of love, support, and guidance I have received during my time as a Bulldog", said senior Mya Minjares "I am incredibly grateful and blessed to have received the opportunity to play and this feels like a beautiful ending to this chapter of my life. A huge thank you to my coaches, athletic trainers, family, and friends!" 

"Mya is arguably the best libero I have ever coached," said Head Coach David Kwan. "She is incredibly driven, competitive, and has developed into a great leader. Mya made our team very competitive and played a significant role in helping us qualify for the MIAA Tournament this year. She truly embodies what it means to be a Bulldog."