-- Story provided by Calvin University Athletics --

For the first time in her collegiate career, Calvin junior Heidi Westra has been named the Division III National Player of the Week by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

A native of Clarendon Hills, Illinois, Westra is receiving the honor after leading the Calvin women's volleyball team to a 4-0 record this past week.

A graduate of Timothy Christian High School, Westra hit at a .291 clip in leading Calvin to victories over Kalamazoo, No. 14 Ohio Northern, No. 2 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Millikin as the Knights improved to 24-2 overall.

An outside hitter, Westra averaged 4.47 kills, 2.67 digs and 5.2 points-per-set.

In a five-set come-from-behind win over Ohio Northern, she amassed a career-high 31 kills.

For her efforts, she was named to the Midwest Invitational All-Tournament Team and was named the MIAA Player of the Week this past Monday.

"This is a great honor for Heidi and for our program," said Calvin head women's volleyball coach Amber Warners. "She had a tremendous week and is deserving of this award. Heidi would also be the first to tell you that she could not have done this without her teammates. She is a part of a team that is very unselfish and that I am proud to coach. I am thrilled to see her and our program recognized liked this on a national level."

The Calvin women's volleyball team also moved up to No. 4 in the AVCA Division III Top 25 rankings this afternoon. The Knights return to action on Wednesday, traveling to Adrian for a 6:30 p.m. conference match.