Rueckert Named Big West Defensive Player of the Week

10/26/2026 4:01:00 PM

OREM, Utah — Utah Valley middle blocker Brielle Rueckert has been named the Big West Defensive Player of the Week following her performance in a pair of wins over Sacramento State. It is the first conference weekly honor of her career and the third earned by a Wolverine this season.

"Very well deserved for Brielle," said UVU head coach Sam Atoa. "She is such a joy to have on the team. An amazing athlete on and off the court. She works so hard at everything we ask her to do."

Rueckert had a strong week at the net for the Wolverines, opening with six total blocks and six kills on Thursday at Sacramento State. She followed that performance with nine total blocks, including one solo block, and five kills on 11 attacks in Saturday's sweep of the Hornets as Utah Valley completed a 2-0 week.

Rueckert has been a difference-maker for the Wolverines throughout the season. She leads the team with 88 total blocks, including a career-high 12-block performance against Radford. She has also been a consistent offensive threat, ranking tied for second on the team with 143 kills while averaging 2.64 kills per set.

Rueckert joins two other Wolverines who have earned Big West weekly honors this season. Lani Toutai was named Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 14, while Miley Thunstrom earned Offensive Player of the Week honors on Sept. 28.

The Wolverines return to the road this weekend for matches at California Baptist on Friday, Oct. 30, and UC Riverside on Oct. 31. Utah Valley will then return home during the first week of November to close out its home schedule against UC San Diego and UC Irvine.

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