LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Sept. 21, 2026) – For the first time this season, Wyoming Cowgirl Rylee Heinz has been named the Old Trapper Mountain West Volleyball Freshman of the Week, announced Monday by the league office. She becomes the second Cowgirl this season to be named a league player of the week, joining Paige Lauterwasser, who was the offensive player of the week on August 31.
Heinz had a stellar three-match stretch last weekend at the Idaho State Orange & Black Classic as Wyoming went 3-0 with wins over Boise State, Idaho State and Pacific. Heinz averaged 2.50 kills per set while hitting .344 over the week. Heinz, who averaged 3.13 points per, also led the Cowgirls with 13 total blocks (1.08 per set). Heinz reached double-digit kills twice over the weekend, recording 11 kills and hitting .409 in the sweep over Idaho State and recorded 12 kills and tied a career-high with six total blocks in the win over Pacific.
Heinz and the rest of the Cowgirls open Mountain West play this week as they host new conference foe UTEP at 6:30 p.m., Friday and at 6 p.m., Saturday.
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