Grand Rapids, Mich. —
Aquinas volleyball standout Bella Hommes has once again been recognized as the best defender in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC). The graduate student libero from Grand Rapids has been named the WHAC Defensive Player of the Week for the second straight week, cementing her reputation as one of the league's most consistent and dominant back-row performers.

Hommes anchored the Saints' defense this past week with her trademark hustle, quick reads, and unwavering energy. Across five matches, she totaled 90 digs — including 32 against Cumberland (Tenn.) — while also chipping in five service aces and steady passing that allowed Aquinas to control tempo in critical moments. Her ability to stabilize the defense and extend rallies proved to be a difference-maker during AQ's strong weekend at the Sturrus Center Showcase.

Head Coach Ryan Campbell lauded his libero's impact on both ends of the court. "Bella has been the backbone of our defense, and her consistency is what sets her apart. Week after week, she gives us confidence in the back row and sets the tone for our team's energy and toughness. Her leadership, work ethic, and relentless play make her one of the best defenders in the WHAC, and we're fortunate to have her anchoring our defense and representing Aquinas at such a high standard."

This latest honor adds to an already decorated career. A former standout at Forest Hills Northern, Hommes built a foundation of leadership and academic achievement early on as a two-year high school co-captain, a four-time Forest Hills Northern Gold Academic Achievement Award recipient, and a three-time Academic All-State honoree. She began her collegiate career at Eastern Michigan, where she collected Academic All-District and Academic All-MAC honors three times each.

Since transferring to Aquinas, Hommes has become a fixture of the Saints' success. She has already been named First Team All-Conference, WHAC Libero of the Year, Honorable Mention All-Region, and All-District, while helping lead AQ to WHAC regular season, tournament, and regional championships. With this latest recognition, she now owns multiple WHAC Defensive Player of the Week awards this season.

Beyond the accolades, Hommes embodies the balance of athletic and academic excellence that defines Aquinas volleyball. She earned her undergraduate degree in Sports Management with a minor in Leadership and is currently pursuing her master's in Business Management. Off the court, she enjoys shopping, spending time with loved ones, and watching the Creed movies.

For Hommes, returning home to Grand Rapids and rediscovering her love for the game at Aquinas has been a perfect fit. After 12 years of playing volleyball — including club stints with MVA, Far Out, and Legacy — she chose AQ for its family-like team culture and its proximity to her own family and friends. That decision continues to pay off for both Hommes and the Saints, as she leads the charge from the back row and inspires her teammates with every dig.

With her second consecutive WHAC Defensive Player of the Week honor, Hommes is proving once again that she is one of the premier defensive players not only in the conference but across the NAIA.  Hommes and the rest of the squad will be preparing for the epic match-up with arch-rival and crosstown conference foe Cornerstone, scheduled to take place on Friday.