Nyla Hover Now a Volleyball Roadrunner

Nyla Hover of Niles High School and Dunes Volleyball Club has signed with Southwestern Michigan College to play with the Roadrunners starting in Fall 2026.

SMC Coach Jenny Nate commented, "Nyla is a dominant attacker at the outside, is a strong six rotation player, and knows how to put the ball away and score from multiple sets, including back row attacks. She is smart, embraces intensity, and plays to win at all times.  Nyla works just as hard in the classroom as she does on the court and will be a positive addition in all areas to our team and program.  She helped lead her high school team to a Wolverine Conference Championship in 2022, two District Championships in 2024 and 2025, and earned Second Team All-Conference Honors.  Nyla has also trained at the highest level on her club teams at Dunes Volleyball Club, so she knows and embraces tough competition.  We are excited to welcome her to SMC Volleyball."

Niles High School Varsity Coach Abbie Harpenau added, "Nyla's love for the game is incomparable. She works hard on and off the court to be a key player.  Her intensity and drive are her best attributes. She's a player you can count on in tough situations."

Hover joins high school teammate Maddie Zache of Niles and Jordin Heiman of Cassopolis in the 2026 SMC Volleyball recruiting class.

SMC Volleyball finished a memorable 2025 season with an impressive 29-9 record. The Roadrunners won the MCCAA Western Conference with an 11-1 mark, finished third in the entire MCCAA and qualified as the #2 seed in the Great Lakes District Tournament. SMC went 3-2 in the B bracket, finishing as runners-up to the #1 seed. Individual Roadrunners earned 16 conference and regional awards, including All-Freshman Team, All-Conference Honorable Mention, Second Team All-Conference, First Team All-Conference, All-MCCAA Team, All-Region Team, Player of the Year and Coach of the Year.