GARY, Ind. — Freshman setter Raniyah Preston has been named the IU Northwest RedHawks Athlete of the Week, presented by Herff Jones, after an impressive start to her collegiate career.

Preston, from Sauk Village, Illinois, and a graduate of Bishop Noll Institute, wasted no time making her mark in her RedHawks debut. In the season opener at Goshen College, the freshman setter recorded 14 kills on a .481 hitting percentage while adding 15 assists and two blocks. She finished with a match-high 16.5 points, showing her ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

She carried that momentum into the Clarke Pride Tournament, where she continued to direct the RedHawks offense while providing offense of her own. Against York University, Preston tallied 22 assists and added five kills. Later that day against Waldorf, she handed out 14 assists while contributing a kill, a block, and an ace.

Through her first collegiate matches, Preston has displayed the versatility and confidence of a veteran, balancing her setting duties with timely attacking. Her consistency and composure have quickly made her a key contributor for IU Northwest.

Preston's strong debut has set the tone for what the RedHawks expect to be a promising season, earning her recognition as this week's Athlete of the Week, presented by Herff Jones.