FAIRMONT, W.Va. — West Liberty University freshman kicker Aidan Grella has been named the Mountain East Conference Special Teams Player of the Week following a perfect kicking performance in the Hilltoppers' 41-38 overtime victory at West Virginia State on Saturday.

The MEC announced its weekly football awards Monday. The honors are presented by The Health Plan.

Grella, a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, native, was perfect on the afternoon, connecting on both of his field-goal attempts in the road victory. He split the uprights from 47 yards and 30 yards, accounting for six important points in the high-scoring win.

The freshman was also perfect on extra-point attempts, converting all three of his tries.

Grella added four touchbacks on six kickoffs, helping the Hilltoppers consistently force West Virginia State to begin drives deep in its own territory.

The honor marks West Liberty's first MEC Special Teams Player of the Week selection of the 2026 season.

Grella becomes the fourth Hilltopper to earn an MEC weekly football honor this season, joining Offensive Player of the Week selections Hunter Patterson and Kohl Meisman and Defensive Player of the Week honorees Neal Luca and Dominic Maultsby.


West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.