ST. PAUL, Minn. – Maddy Grove of the University of Minnesota Morris women's basketball team kicked off 2026 by being named the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Athlete of the Week for the period of Dec. 22–Jan. 4, as announced Tuesday, Jan. 6.
 
Grove earned her third UMAC Player of the Week honor in the first eight weeks of the season. The Morris, Minn., native led the Cougars at the BSN Winter Classic on Dec. 28 and 29, where she was named to the All-Tournament Team. Against two ranked opponents, Grove totaled 30 points, including 20 against No. 25/(RV) Ripon College. She finished the tournament with three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks.
 
The Cougars return to action on Wednesday as they open conference play at Martin Luther College with a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.