Each fall, Michigan’s high school girls’ volleyball teams compete for postseason glory through the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) tournament. The path to a championship begins at the district level, where schools are divided by enrollment into four divisions, each containing 32 districts.
District winners advance to regionals, then to quarterfinals, semifinals, and the state finals. Before play begins, the Michigan Power Rating (MPR) determines how teams are seeded — giving structure, fairness, and competitive balance to the bracket system.
What is the Michigan Power Rating? The MPR is a statistical formula used to rank and seed teams across Michigan based on performance and strength of schedule. It’s designed to reward teams that challenge themselves against tough opponents rather than simply amassing wins.
The Formula MPR =
- 25% Team’s Winning Percentage
- 50% Opponents’ Winning Percentage
- 25% Opponents’ Opponents’ Winning Percentage
This method gives a more accurate representation of a team’s strength throughout the season. For example, a team that goes 20–10 against strong competition may rank higher than a team that goes 25–5 against weaker opponents.
The two highest-rated teams in each district (by MPR) are named the #1 and #2 seeds.
- These two seeds are placed on opposite sides of the bracket to ensure they can’t meet until the district final.
- Remaining teams are placed using a predetermined draw formula, keeping the process consistent statewide.
Depending on the number of teams in a district:
- 8 teams: No byes
- 7 teams: #1 seed receives the only bye
- 6 teams: Both #1 and #2 seeds receive byes
- 5 teams: #1 seed receives a bye
The draw takes place on the Sunday eight days before district play begins (10/26), with all match data finalized at that point.
Below are the district groupings for area schools as listed on the MHSAA 2025 Volleyball Districts page.
District 5 – Hosted by Reeths-Puffer High School (Division 1)
Location: Reeths-Puffer High School
Teams:
- Reeths-Puffer
- Muskegon
- Mona Shores
- Grand Haven
- Kenowa Hills
This Division 1 district features several large schools along the Lakeshore, making it one of the most competitive in West Michigan. The battle between Grand Haven, Reeths-Puffer, and Mona Shores promises exciting volleyball leading up to the finals.
District 37 – Hosted by Remus Chippewa Hills (Division 2)
Location: Chippewa Hills High School – Remus
Teams:
- Hart
- Ludington
- Big Rapids
- Reed City
- Remus Chippewa Hills
This northern Division 2 district stretches across Mason and Mecosta counties. Hart and Ludington join several inland schools in a district known for balanced play and strong defensive teams.
District 38 – Hosted by Spring Lake High School (Division 2)
Location: Spring Lake High School Gym
Teams:
- Fruitport
- Spring Lake
- Whitehall
- Montague
- Oakridge
- Orchard View
District 38 brings together some of the region’s most familiar volleyball rivals. The mix of Lakeshore schools promises high energy and packed gyms as teams like Fruitport, Whitehall, and Spring Lake face off.
District 39 – Hosted by Grant High School (Division 2)
Location: Grant High School
Teams:
- Fremont
- Grant
- Howard City Tri County
- Newaygo
- Sparta
The Grant-hosted district features several strong programs from Newaygo and Kent counties. Fremont enters the field alongside nearby conference foes for a tightly contested bracket.
District 69 – Hosted by Kingsley High School (Division 3)
Location: Kingsley Area High School
Teams:
- Mason County Central
- Manistee
- Kingsley
- Benzie Central
- LeRoy Pine River
- Manton
District 69 represents the northernmost portion of the west side area. With both Mason County Central and Manistee included, this bracket combines traditional rivalries with long road trips north.
District 73 – Hosted by Shelby High School (Division 3)
Location: Shelby High School Gym
Teams:
- Shelby
- Hesperia
- Holton
- North Muskegon
- Ravenna
- Western Michigan Christian
This district brings together small but competitive programs, many from the West Michigan Conference. With Shelby hosting, this will be a spirited bracket where every match has a local rivalry feel.
Understanding where each team falls — and how they’re seeded — helps players, coaches, and fans prepare for the postseason:
The MPR ensures that the best-performing teams are rewarded and that early tournament matchups are balanced, promoting fairness and excitement throughout district week.
The MHSAA volleyball seeding process powered by the MPR system ensures that each district’s bracket reflects both season performance and competitive equity.
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