Four standout high school athletes from Ann Arbor, Utica, Farmington Hills, and Grosse Ile are finalists for the Detroit Free Press Girls Athlete of the Week for August 24-30. Voting is open until 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 3
High school sports fans across Michigan have the opportunity to recognize top female athletes as voting opens for the Detroit Free Press Girls Athlete of the Week for August 24-30. This week's ballot features four finalists representing volleyball, field hockey, and swimming, each nominated for their exceptional performances during the opening week of the fall season. Voting will remain open until 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 3.
The finalists include Mara Boullion of Ann Arbor Pioneer, Ella Harris of Utica, Kate Kalczynski of Farmington Hills Mercy, and Olivia Miller of Grosse Ile. Each athlete delivered notable achievements in their respective sports, helping their teams to early-season success.
Meet the Four Finalists
Mara Boullion, a sophomore goalkeeper for Ann Arbor Pioneer, anchored her team's defense as the defending field hockey champions began their season with three consecutive shutout victories. Boullion recorded seven saves across wins against Saline, Ann Arbor Skyline, and Dexter, last year's state runner-up.
Utica's Ella Harris, a junior outside hitter, played a pivotal role in eight volleyball matches over three days, participating in two quad events. Harris filled the stat sheet with 59 kills, 51 receptions, 40 digs, 39 service points, and 12 aces, demonstrating her all-around impact on the court.
Farmington Hills Mercy senior Kate Kalczynski helped her volleyball team secure eight wins out of nine games during the week. As an outside hitter, Kalczynski contributed 38 kills, 13 digs, four aces, and two blocks, providing both offensive firepower and defensive stability.
Olivia Miller, a sophomore swimmer from Grosse Ile, led off the Red Devils' 200-meter freestyle relay at a quad meet hosted by Trenton High School on August 26. Miller set a personal best of 26.84 seconds for her 50-yard segment and also finished second in both the 200 and 500 freestyle individual events.
How to Vote and What to Know
Community members can cast their votes for the Detroit Free Press Girls Athlete of the Week until the deadline at 3 p.m. on September 3. The poll is open to the public, and the winner will be determined by the highest number of votes received before the cutoff.
The Detroit Free Press notes that any evidence of tampering, such as the use of bots or offering incentives for votes, may result in disqualification or a "no contest" ruling. Voters are encouraged to participate fairly, reflecting the sportsmanship shown by the athletes themselves.
Nominations for next week's poll, covering games played from August 31 to September 6, are accepted from Thursday through Sunday. Those wishing to nominate an athlete can do so at freep.com/athlete.
Context and Related Coverage
This recognition program highlights the achievements of high school athletes across Michigan, offering communities a chance to celebrate local talent. Similar voting opportunities, such as the recent Buffalo Wild Wings Best Defensive Lineman for the 2026 season, have drawn strong engagement from fans and families statewide.
For those interested in staying updated on high school sports and related news, the Detroit Free Press offers a weekly Michigan Preps newsletter, delivering coverage directly to subscribers' inboxes.
