Flashback 100: Leland Career Helps Set Stage for Glass' International Stardom
November 15, 2024
Alisha Glass has accomplished nearly everything there is to achieve on the volleyball court.
A standout at Leland High School, she graduated in 2006 as a four-time first-team all-state selection and set MHSAA records for career kills (3,584) and aces (937). She also recorded 680 blocks, a national record at the time. Glass was the driving force behind Leland's 2006 Class D championship team, and her remarkable list of achievements continued to grow after high school.
At Penn State, Glass helped lead the Nittany Lions to three consecutive NCAA championships from 2007 to 2009. During her four years, Penn State posted an incredible 142-5 record, with an astonishing 102-match winning streak. Glass earned three All-America honors during her time with the team.
Her success didn’t stop at the collegiate level. Glass went on to win a gold medal at the 2014 World Championships and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she was named the tournament's "Best Setter." She has been named USA Volleyball's Female Indoor Athlete of the Year twice (2013, 2014).
After coaching two seasons at Stanford, Glass now plays professionally for the Vegas Thrill in the Pro Volleyball Federation, continuing her legacy of excellence in the sport.
Previous "Flashback 100" Features
Nov. 8: Future Baseball Pro Led Escanaba's Legendary Football Title Run - Read
Nov. 1: Michigan High School Baseball Trio Provide World Series Voices - Read
Oct. 25: Before Leading Free World, Ford Starred for Champion GR South - Read
Oct. 18: Mercy Links Legend Becomes World Golf Hall of Famer - Read
Oct. 11: Fisher Races to Finals Stardom on Way to U.S. Olympic First - Read
Oct. 4: Lalas Leaves High School Legacies on Ice & Pitch - Read
Sept. 27: Tamer's History-Making Run Starts in Dexter, Continues to Paris - Read
Sept. 20: Todd Martin’s Road to Greatness Starts at East Lansing - Read
Sept. 13: James Earl Jones, Dickson High Hoops to Hollywood Legend - Read
Sept. 6: Pioneers' Unstoppable Streak Stretches 9 Seasons - Read
Aug. 30: Detroit dePorres Rushes to 1995 Class CC Football Championship - Read
PHOTOS (Top) At left, Leland's Alisha Glass celebrates with her teammates during the 2006 MHSAA Finals; at right, Glass speaks during the MHSAA Women In Sports Leadership Conference in 2018. (MHSAA archives.)
Performance of the Week: Kingsley's Jenna Middleton
September 25, 2026
Jenna Middleton ♦ Kingsley
Senior ♦ Volleyball
Kingsley’s record-setting outside hitter became the 35th player in MHSAA girls volleyball history to reach 2,000 kills during the rally scoring era, doing so during her team’s win over Negaunee on Sept 12, and then set the school record for kills three days later during a win over Grayling. She’s up to 2,057 career kills after adding 23 more to her total Tuesday against Harbor Springs.
The returning all-stater also was her team’s leading hitter as the Stags won last season’s Division 3 championship, and she’s helped Kingsley to a 27-3-1 record and No. 5 ranking this week in Division 2. She does not intend to continue playing volleyball after high school, but plans to attend Northern Michigan University and study English and potentially creative writing or journalism.
@mhsaasports 🏐 POW: Jenna Middleton #Kingsley #Volleyball #Record #PerformanceOfTheWeek #MHSAA ♬ original sound - MHSAA
@mhsaasports 🏐 POW: Jenna Middleton #TikTalk #FunFacts #FYP #HighSchoolSports #MHSAA ♬ original sound - MHSAA
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Past 2026-27 honorees
Sept. 18: Caden Livermore, Grandville cross country - Read
(Photos courtesy of the Kingsley volleyball program.)