Graci Junis named NJCAA DII Volleyball Player of the Year

Heartland Community College sophomore Graci Junis has been named the 2025 NJCAA Division II Volleyball Player of the Year. 

The individual honor for Junis comes shortly after the Heartland Hawks captured their first NJCAA Women’s Volleyball national title in program history. 

Junis has spent the last two years at Heartland working to bring success to her team. The 2024 National Championship fell short of expectations as the Hawks took home the third-place trophy. 

This fall, the Hawks flew through the 2025 National Championship Tournament, dropping only one set. They notably swept the two-time defending champions, Cowley, in the semifinals. Heartland made quick work in the national championship match as they swept No. 4 Kansas City, Kansas, 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-23) to claim the title. 

Junis's impact at the 2025 National Tournament was exceptional, both in her leadership and performance. She tallied 39 kills, 53.5 points with 124 total attempts, and 5 assists. 

"Graci epitomizes what we believe a National Player of the Year should be as she is a fierce competitor and selfless leader,” said Heartland Head Volleyball Coach Mary Frahm. “For the last two years, Graci has showcased herself both on and off the court as an athlete relentlessly committed to her personal growth, while simultaneously prioritizing the team's success as she has been the steadfast leader this group needed on our journey.” 

From 2024 to 2025, Junis jumped statistically in many categories. She went from 307 kills last season to 426 this year. She registered 3.06 kills per set in 2025 as opposed to her 2.16 in 2024. This year, Junis was in the Top 25 in the nation in 6 different categories. 

The Outside Hitter attended Morton High School before studying business at Heartland. While in high school, Junis was a First Team All-Conference selection her junior and senior years. In her senior year, she was awarded Second Team All-State and 3A State Tournament All-Tournament Team.