For the first time in South history, a Blue Devil athlete has been named the Michigan Interschoolastic Volleyball Coaches Association’s (MIVCA) Miss Volleyball. Gabby DiVita ’26, who is committed to the University of Nebraska, took home the award that honors the state’s best girls’ volleyball player.
On Nov. 14, South held a ceremony led by Athletic Director Andy Rishmawi to present Gabby DiVita the trophy. Before announcing her award, he recognized all the work beyond the playing performance that goes into becoming as accomplished an athlete as her.
“What you don’t see is the hours they passed up on going out with their friends, the time they missed because they’re on the road for a tournament,” Rishmawi said. “As a coach, when I see someone get an accolade, I don’t see ‘Oh, he scored 25 goals.’ I see all the time they lose with their friends, or the time they didn’t get to go where they wanted to go. Remember that.”
As Bree Johnson of the MIVCA announced Gabby DiVita’s name, South fall athletes set off confetti in celebration. Gabby DiVita, speechless, was called to the gym floor to accept the trophy and say a few words.
“I don’t know what to say,” Gabby DiVita said. “Thank you to all my coaches. Thanks to all my friends, love you guys. You’re all great.”
Along with her classmates and team, much of Gabby DiVita’s family was in attendance to watch her be honored. Janeil DiVita, her mom and South’s head girls volleyball coach, was brought to tears hearing her daughter was named the best player in Michigan.
“I want to thank our family and friends who all came to support her,” Janeil DiVita said. “People who have coached her, thank you so much. Thanks for all your support for Grosse Pointe South and Gabby, this means a lot.”
The loudest cheers in the crowd came from Gabby DiVita’s friends. Jack Cotton ’26 shares their sentiment, who is incredibly excited and proud of her, and even goes as far to call her the best player in the country.
“She sets herself apart by working every day,” Cotton said. “She sets everything else aside to be the best volleyball player she can be. Congratulations, well deserved, Gabby is the best.”
