Grand Rapids, Mich. — The Aquinas women's volleyball team, alongside head coach Ryan Campbell, is excited to announce the signing of junior setter Lydia Harper. The former Caledonia High School standout transfers to AQ after spending her last two seasons with the NCAA Division I Miami (Ohio) University RedHawks.

Harper featured in 50 matches over two years (2021, 2022) with the RedHawks, registering 951 assists, 74 kills, 202 digs and 70 total blocks. She set a career-high with 49 assists in a 3-1 win against Eastern Michigan on Oct. 14, 2021. Her sister, Gaby, was also a member of the Miami volleyball team from 2018-21.

With her efforts in the classroom, Harper was named an CSC Academic All-District selection and made an All-MAC Academic Team during her time at Miami. She plans to major in early childhood education at Aquinas.

"Lydia is a complete setter," said Campbell. "She sets the ball with consistency pin to pin, is vocal and has a deep desire to win. Standing at 6-foot-2, Lydia puts up a solid block and has a lot of variety with her setter dumps. I look forward to seeing what she can do at the NAIA level."

At Caledonia High School, Harper picked up many accolades as a three-time team captain. She was a four-time honorable mention all-state selection, as well as a four-time all-conference, all-region and all-area honoree. Harper helped Caledonia win its first district title in over 25 years and set a school record for most assists in a single season (1,180).

When asked why she decided to become a Saint, Harper said: "I chose Aquinas because I wanted to be close to home and still be able to play the sport I love! Aquinas is perfect for that and I am super excited to be on the team."