University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Bixby picks up second MVC Defensive Player of the Week honor of season
9/28/2026 2:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
ST. LOUIS --- UNI junior middle blocker Maryn Bixby for a second time this season 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 fifth 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 five weeks of the 2026 season.
A Dike, Iowa native, Bixby led the Panther defense with 11 total blocks in UNI's MVC opening matches at Drake and against Murray State, both of which ended in 3-0 victories for Northern Iowa. Bixby notched six blocks against the Racers, including a pair of solo stops at the net, while also posting five blocks against the Bulldogs.
In addition to Bixby, Belmont's Brenna Kauffeld was named the MVC Player of the Week, while the Bruins' Mya Bolton earned MVC Libero of the Week honors.
Bixby and the Panthers return to action on Thursday and Friday with road contests at Illinois State and Bradley. Both matches are scheduled for 6 p.m. CT first serves with live coverage of the both matches available on ESPN+ and the Panther Sports Radio Network (106.5 FM Corn Country / 93.5 HD-2).
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.
