University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Bixby named MVC Defensive Player of the Week
9/14/2026 2:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Panther junior earns first weekly honor of season after blocking performance in Houston.
ST. LOUIS --- UNI junior middle blocker Maryn Bixby has been named the Missouri Valley Conference's (MVC) Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday.
The selection is Bixby's first weekly honor of the season and fourth of her career after earning three MVC Freshman of the Week nods last year. UNI has now been recognized with at least one conference weekly honor in each of the first three weeks of the 2026 season.
A Dike, Iowa native, Bixby led the Panther defense with 12 total blocks at the Rice Invitational last weekend in Houston, where Northern Iowa swept host Rice on Saturday, while also facing a pair of top-15 ranked opponents in No. 5 Louisville and No. 15 Creighton.
In UNI's tournament opener against Creighton, Bixby posted a season-high seven blocks, and followed up with five blocks against Rice, including a career-best three solo blocks. Bixby, who missed the first four matches of the season due to injury, is currently tied for third on the Panther roster with 19 blocks. UNI's 76 total blocks this year currently lead the entire MVC.
In addition to Bixby, Valparaiso's Ava Helming was named the MVC's Player of the Week, while Drake's Jasmine Dulan was named MVC Libero of the Week.
Bixby and the Panthers return to action on Friday and Saturday as UNI welcomes Wichita State to the McLeod Center for its first two home matches of the season. First service for Friday's match against the Shockers is set for 6 p.m. CT, with Saturday's contest slated for 1 p.m. CT. Live coverage of the match can be found on ESPN+ and the Panther Sports Radio Network (106.5 FM Corn Country / 93.5 HD-2).
Tickets for UNI's home opening weekend can be purchased online through the UNI Ticket Office or by calling 319-273-4849.Â
Fans in attendance will be treated to free mini replica championship banners while supplies last.
UNI volleyball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Volleyball), X (@UNIVolleyball) and on Instagram (@univolleyball). The full 2026 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
