Byron Center's Mallory Johnson, Nebraska commit, named Michigan Miss Volleyball
Mallory Johnson, you have a big new trophy to make space for. Johnson, from Byron Center, was named 2026 Michigan Miss Volleyball on Friday, Nov. 13, in a surprise award presentation at her high school just south of Grand Rapids. In a vote from volleyball coaches across Michigan, Johnson was determined the recipient of the 25th annual Miss Volleyball award, which is presented by the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association and recognizes the top senior student-athlete for excellence on and off the court. Johnson has helped Byron Center advance to the Division 1 state quarterfinals after Thursday's 3-1 regional final victory over Portage Central. The Bulldogs face Hudsonville on Tuesday (7:30 p.m.) at Grandville High School. "After winning a regional championship last night, an individual award was absolutely the last thing I was thinking about today," Johnson said on Friday in a phone interview. "I walked into the cafeteria. I saw my family, saw everyone staring at me. I was caught completely off guard." Byron Center now has two regional titles and four district titles with Johnson on the roster, with a chance to add a state title. For her career, she has compiled 629 kills, 1,895 digs and 277