11 Days Until the State Girls Cross Country Announcement
Gatorade 2025 - 2026: Player of the Year

Volleyball - Michigan

Gatorade Player of the year

Kayla Nwabueze

Middle blocker/outside hitter
BLOOMFIELD HILLS HS
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MICHIGAN
SENIOR
Height: 6-FOOT-2
Press Release

Peak Performance

751

Kills

358

Digs

56

Aces

48

Assists
“Kayla’s power is at another level, and her height and athleticism put her in a class above most athletes. Without her, Bloomfield would not have been nearly as successful. You could put Kayla on any team in the state and that team would be incredibly successful.”
Deena Maher
Head Coach - South Lyon High

Athletic Excellence

The 6-foot-2 senior middle blocker and outside hitter amassed 751 kills and 358 digs this past season, leading the Black Hawks (39-6) to the Division 1 state championship match. Nwabueze also compiled 56 service aces, 48 assists and 43 blocks while posting a .491 kill percentage and a  .372 hitting percentage. An American Volleyball Coaches Association Second Team All-American selection, she concluded her prep volleyball career with 2,217 kills, 1,127 digs and 396 blocks.

Academic Achievement

Nwabueze has maintained a weighted 3.96 GPA in the classroom. She has made a verbal commitment to attend Harvard University, where she will play volleyball, beginning this fall.

Exemplary Character

Nwabueze has volunteered locally as an assistant at a pediatric dental office and as support staff on behalf of multiple community hospitals. She has also created her own beginning volleyball clinic and donated her time as a youth volleyball coach.