Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University senior Kayla Giroux has reached a significant milestone in her volleyball career, recording her 1,000th kill during the team's season-opening victory over Northwood. This achievement highlights her success both as an athlete and as a student.

Giroux has received multiple honors throughout her time at Wayne State. In October, she was named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week for the sixth time overall and third time this season. Last year, she earned Second Team All-America honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and became the first Wayne State volleyball player to be recognized as a College Sports Communicators Academic All-American. She was also inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, a national honor society for student-athletes.

Her performance last season included finishing ninth nationally in Division II for hitting percentage at .404, despite playing fewer sets than in previous years. Academically, Giroux maintains a 3.9899 GPA while double majoring in Global Supply Chain Management and Business Management at the Mike Ilitch School of Business. She is set to graduate in December.

"I've always set high standards for myself," Giroux said. "But the support here has allowed me to pursue both my athletic and academic goals without feeling like I had to sacrifice one for the other."

Faculty mentors at Wayne State have played a role in guiding her career interests. Associate professor Lori Sisk introduced Giroux to supply chain management and connected her with professionals in the field. The university's flexible scheduling enabled her to complete an internship with DHL in Belleville while continuing volleyball training.

"It was a balance, but the experience helped me see where I want to go with my career," she said. "I don't think I would have had that opportunity without the guidance and encouragement from my professors and coaches."

During her internship last summer, Giroux worked alongside students from Bowling Green State University, Ohio State University, and Kent State University at DHL's partner hub in Belleville.

On the court, Giroux has become a key leader for Wayne State’s volleyball program and serves as a mentor to younger teammates. In academics, she aims to use her leadership skills within global supply chains or business management after graduation.

"Being in both majors has shown me how much I enjoy leadership," she explained. "It's reinforced that I can pursue a career where I'm helping people work together and improve the way things operate."

Giroux overcame adversity after suffering a serious knee injury during high school but credits Wayne State with providing opportunities for growth both athletically and academically.

"After my injury, I just felt grateful for every chance to play," said Giroux, who graduated from Flat Rock High School in 2022. "Wayne State gave me the opportunity to compete at a high level and also prepare for life after volleyball."

Looking ahead, Giroux is considering options such as playing professionally overseas—an idea encouraged by international experience gained last summer in Brazil—or starting graduate school or entering the workforce immediately after graduation.

Last season marked another first when she became Wayne State’s initial recipient of Academic All-American honors within its volleyball program. Head coach Tim Koth stated: "She has been exceptional in both areas which is a testament to her wonderful character."

Giroux feels ready for future challenges due to support received at Wayne State: "The people here have helped me grow in every way," she said. "I know I'm ready for whatever comes next."

Her achievements reflect what Wayne State strives to offer: an environment supporting both academic excellence and athletic accomplishment so students can pursue their ambitions fully.