DATE
OPPONENT
SITE
TIME
Sat., Aug. 31
vs. Bethel
Mishawaka, Ind.
11 a.m.
Sat., Aug. 31
vs. Indiana University - South Bend
South Bend, Ind.
2 p.m.
Tues., Sept. 10
vs. Cornerstone
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Sat., Sept 14
@ Northwestern Ohio*
Lima, Ohio
11 a.m.
Sun., Sept. 15
@ Indiana Tech*
Fort Wayne, Ind.
Noon
Tues., Sept. 17
vs. Grace Bible
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 18 Fri. - Sat., Sept. 20-21 Wed., Sept. 25
vs. Lawrence Tech*
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Can-Am Classic Hosted by Madonna
Livonia, Mich.
vs. Madonna*
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 28
vs. Goshen (Homecoming)
Grand Rapids, Mich.
5 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 2
@ Cornerstone*
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 4
@ Lourdes*
Sylvania, Ohio
7 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 9 Fri. - Sat., Oct. 11-12 Fri., Oct. 11
vs. Concordia* Panther Invitational Hosted by Davenport Tournament Page vs. Ashford
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
1 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 11
vs. Grace
Grand Rapids, Mich.
3 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 12
vs. Huntington
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Noon
Sat., Oct. 12
vs. Rochester
Grand Rapids, Mich.
2 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 16 Fri. - Sat., Oct. 18-19 Fri., Oct. 18
vs. Marygrove*
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Calumet St. Joseph Tournament
Whiting, Ind.
vs. Indiana University - East
Whiting, Ind.
1 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 18
vs. Roosevelt
Whiting, Ind.
5 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 19
vs. Indiana University - Kokomo
Whiting, Ind.
9 a.m.
Sat., Oct. 19
@ Calumet College of St. Joseph
Whiting, Ind.
3 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 23 Fri. - Sat., Oct. 25-26 Wed., Oct. 30
vs. Davenport*
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Aquinas/Cornerstone Crossover
Grand Rapids, Mich.
vs. Siena Heights*
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 2
vs. St. Francis (Ind.) @ Davenport
Grand Rapids, Mich.
10 a.m.
Sat., Nov. 2
vs. Spring Arbor @ Davenport
Grand Rapids, Mich.
12:30 p.m.
Wed., Nov.6
@ UM Dearborn*
Dearborn, Mich.
7 p.m.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
AQUINAS COLLEGE GENERAL INFORMATION
CONFERENCE: Wolverine-Hoosier (WHAC) 2012 RECORD: 18-19 2012 WHAC RECORD: 6-5 2012 WHAC FINISH: Sixth
LOCATION: Grand Rapids, Michigan FOUNDED: 1886 NICKNAME: Saints COLORS: Maroon/Grey PRESIDENT: Dr. Juan Olivarez ENROLLMENT: 2,518 students STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 15:1
SPORTS INFORMATION AND ATHLETICS SPORTS INFO DIRECTOR: Mike Wojciakowski SID PHONE: 616-632-2482 WEB-SITES: www.aquinas.edu, www.whac.net MEDIA GUIDE: Katie Vander Meer VARSITY SPORTS: 22 ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Terry Bocian ATHLETIC PHONE: 616-632-2474 FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE: Gary Karasinski
SAINTS VOLLEYBALL HEAD COACHES: Katie Vander Meer (2nd Season); Betsy Vander Meer (2nd Season) AFFILIATION: NAIA Division II
2013 Schedule
Inside Cover
Table of Contents/Quick Facts
1
Aquinas College
2
Grand Rapids, MI
3
Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC)
4-5
Roster
6
Head Coaches Katie and Betsy Vander Meer
7/8
Meet the Team
9-27
1
Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic and Dominican traditions, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.
2
Located on the eastern edge of Grand Rapids, Aquinas' location allows students to reap the benefits of living in Michigan's second largest city. With over one million people in the greater metropolitan area, Grand Rapids plays host to numerous festivals, concerts and cultural events each year. Residing on 107 wooded acres, the Aquinas College campus blends early twentieth-century architecture with modern-day structures. The campus is home to over 107 species of trees and shrubs, winding woodland paths and inviting creeks and ponds. Aquinas' campus creates a peaceful environment that is just moments away from the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.
3
Aquinas College 1607 Robinson Rd. Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Cornerstone University
Founded: 1886 President: Dr. Juan Olivarez Nickname: Saints Colors: Maroon & White Enrollment: 2500 School Web Site: http://www.aquinas.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.aquinas.edu/athletics/
Founded: 1941 President: Dr. Joseph Stowell Nickname: Golden Eagles Colors: Navy & Gold Enrollment: 1850 School Web Site: http://www.cornerstone.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.cugoldeneagles.com
1001 E. Beltline Rd. Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Concordia University
Davenport University
4090 Geddes Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105
6191 Kraft Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Founded: 1963 President: Dr. Randall W. Luecke Nickname: Cardinals Colors: Red, White & Black Enrollment: 800 School Web Site: http://www.cuaa.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.concordiacardinals.com/index.php
Founded: 1866 President: Dr. Richard Pappas Nickname: Panthers Colors: Red, Black & White Enrollment: 3500 School Web Site: http://www.davenport.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.dupanthers.com
Indiana Tech 1600 E. Washington Blvd.. Fort Wayne, IN 46803
Lourdes College 6832 Convent Blvd. Sylvania, OH 43560
Founded: 1930 President: Dr. Arthur Snyder Nickname: Warriors Colors: Orange & Black Enrollment: 1471 School Web Site: http://www.indianatech.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.indianatech.edu/athletics
Founded: 1958 President: Dr.David Livingston Nickname: Gray Wolves Colors: Orange & Gray Enrollment: 2600 School Web Site: http://www.lourdes.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.lourdes.edu/ StudentLife/Athletics.aspx
4
Lawrence Tech 21000 W 10 Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075
Marygrove College 8425 W. McNichols, Detroit, MI 48221
Founded: 1932 President: Dr. Virinder K. Moudgil Nickname: Blue Devil Colors: Royal Blue & White Enrollment: 4000 School Web Site: http://www.ltu.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.bluedevilathletics.com
Founded: 1927 President: Dr. David J. Fike Nickname: Mustangs Colors: Green & Gold Enrollment: 950 School Web Site: http://www.marygrove.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.marygrovemustangs.com
Madonna University 36600 Schoolcraft Rd. Livonia, MI 48150
Siena Heights University 1247 E. Siena Heights Drive Adrian, MI 49221
Founded: 1937 President: Sister Rose Marie Kujawa Nickname: Crusaders Colors: Royal Blue, Gold & White Enrollment: 4291 School Web Site: http://www.madonna.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.madonnacrusaders.com
Founded: 1919 President: Sister Peg Albert, OP, PHD Nickname: Saints Colors: Navy Blue & Gold Enrollment: 1200 School Web Site: http://www.sienaheights.edu/ Athletic Web Site: http://www.shusaints.com
University of Michigan—Dearborn 4901 Evergreen Dearborn, MI 48128
University of Northwestern Ohio 1441 N. Cable Road Lima, OH 45805
Founded: 1959 President: Daniel Little Nickname: Wolves Colors: Maize & Blue Enrollment: 8950 School Web Site: http://www.umd.umich.edu/ Athletic Web Site: http://gowolves.net
Founded: 1920 President: Dr. Jeffrey Jarvis Nickname: Racers Colors: Red, Black Enrollment: 4000 School Web Site: http://www.unoh.edu/ Athletic Web Site: http://www.unohracers.com/
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No.
Name
Pos.
Yr.
Ht.
Hometown/High School (College)
1
Anna Fencil
DS
So.
5-4
Jenison, Mich./Jenison
2
Brooke Wieland
S
Fr.
5-6
Lake Odessa, Mich./Lakewood
3
Nicci Thomas
S
Sr.
5-10
Whitehall, Mich./Whitehall
4
Rachel Sprenger*
S/DS
Jr.
5-5
Grand Rapids, Mich./GR West Catholic
5
Sierra VanTil
OH
So.
5-8
Coopersville, Mich./Coopersville
6
Hannah Mahoney
DS
Jr.
5-4
Whitehall, Mich./Whitehall
7
Kailey Nelson
DS
Fr.
5-6
Holland, Mich./Holland West Ottawa
8
Mikela Caseria
DS
Sr.
5-4
Mililani, Hawaii/Mililani High School/ Genesee Community College
9
Jackie Overton
RS/MH
Sr.
5-11
Southfield, Mich./Southfield
10
Elle Sturgell
MH
Jr.
6-1
Grand Rapids, Mich./GR West Catholic
11
Meghan Veldeer
MH/OH
So.
5-11
Ada, Mich./Forest Hills Eastern/ Grand Rapids Community College
12
Dayle Wood
OH
Fr.
5-9
Grant, Mich./Grant
13
MacKenzie Kolstad*
OH
Jr.
5-9
RIchland, Mich./Gull Lake
14
Lauren Karpowicz
OH/RS
So.
5-10
Grandville, Mich./Grandville
15
Kendall Wolffis
DS/S
Jr.
5-8
East Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids/ Grand Rapids Community College
16
Molly Maynard
MH
Jr.
5-11
Williamston, Mich./Williamston/ Grand Rapids Community College
17
Amy VonKronenberger*
OH/DS
Sr.
5-9
Lakeview, Mich./ Lakeview
18
Michaela Ryan
MH
Fr.
6-1
Davison, Mich./Davison
19
Megan Toth
RS
Jr.
6-1
Battle Creek, Mich./St. Philip Catholic Central
6
College would be a better fit for her. The rest is history. Prior to her senior year and 1st team All-American honors, she was a 3rd team All-American her junior year and an honorable mention All-American her sophomore year. She was a three time Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) 1st team All-Conference performer. Vander Meer was also selected as the WHAC Player of the year in 2010 and the WHAC setter of the year in 2008-09 seasons. For those who had an opportunity to watch Vander Meer in action on the court, she was a coach on the floor. Her instincts for the game and ability to make those around her better contributed to the success of the program during her playing career.
Co-Head Coach Katie Vander Meer Former Aquinas College first ever 1st team NAIA All-American Katie Vander Meer returns to her alma mater for her second year as co-head coach. Vander Meer brings the same intensity to the sideline that she exhibited on the court. She comments, “I have always aspired to be a head coach at the collegiate level. Being able to return to Aquinas College as a head coach is awesome.
Vander Meer has been coaching at various levels for several years. She was very involved in the Grand Rapid’s area volleyball club programs, coached at the high school level and was a camp counselor at Notre Dame’s and Michigan State’s volleyball camps. Vander Meer adds, “I may be young, but I am determined. Volleyball is in my blood and I have such passion for the game. It will be a great challenge for me to influence the program as a head coach. I’m eager and I’m ready.”
As a student-athlete I experienced the unique educational opportunities and the individualized attention that I received from my professors. I wasn’t just a number, but instead my professors took a genuine interest in my well-being. The opportunity to recruit will be easy for me because I can speak from my heart, knowing that I had a wonderful collegiate experience in all aspects.”
Athletic Director Terry Bocian comments, “Katie Vander Meer was a strong leader as a player in our program. She was a natural leader and was the President of our Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB). I am confident that those leadership skills will make her an outstanding coach. She knows the game and she has a strong work ethic.”
After a successful high school volleyball career at East Kentwood High School, where Vander Meer earned 1st team All-State accolades and was a “Miss Volleyball” candidate, she was offered a full-ride athletic scholarship to Michigan State University. After one year in the Spartan program, Vander Meer felt like Aquinas
7
volleyball. She was a premier diver and a state champion for EGR. Her overall coaching career spans over 38 years and she has coached at all levels, boys and girls, during which at least 13 of those years included volleyball. In addition to her coaching experience, Vander Meer has also been a certified volleyball official for over eleven years.
Co-Head Coach Betsy Vander Meer Co-Head Coach Betsy Vander Meer enters her 2nd season for the Saints after assisting for 2 ½ years during the 2008-2010 seasons. The dynamic Vander Meer duo of Betsy and her daughter Katie are very connected in the volleyball community, and mesh well together as they strive to continue building the program to be an annual WHAC conference contender and a consistent NAIA ranked team. After graduating only one s enior, both coaches are excited about their first recruiting class for 2013, which also includes a few experienced community college players. Our practices are much more competitive now that we have more talent and depth in all positions. Katie and I feel we can push this group to excel while keeping a positive, competitive atmosphere in the gym. Our coaching styles have both similarities and differences, but together we feel it’s a good balance of energy, knowledge and experience. Betsy was a four-sport athlete at East Grand Rapids High School, where she excelled in swimming/diving, basketball, softball and
8
Vander Meer experienced first-hand the positive attributes of Aquinas College watching her daughter Katie complete her degree, and as an assistant coach, see her excel in volleyball. She comments, “I think Aquinas is a great place for a student/athlete coming out of high school to begin a new chapter in their life. I watched Katie grow as a person and the quality education that Aquinas College provided was a good fit for her. The Sturrus Sport and Fitness Center is a great venue to compete in.” Athletic Director Terry Bocian comments, “Betsy Vander Meer is very familiar with our volleyball program as an assistant coach and as a parent. She has extensive experience in coaching at all levels and her enthusiasm for the sport of volleyball is evident if you talk to her. It was a smooth transition, and I am confident that the program is in good hands.”
Betsy is married to husband, Doug and they reside in Kentwood. The have 2 children, Katie and Matthew.
Nicci Thomas Senior ∙ Setter Whitehall, Michigan ∙ Whitehall High School
Full Name: Nicole Morgan Thomas Club team: Saints Juniors Parents: Trish & Mark Thomas Siblings: Erica Major: Sustainable Business Minor: Accounting Favorite Class: Hiking in Ireland Why Aquinas: To play Volleyball & Basketball Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: All of the hustle and bustle! What I like to do outside of volleyball: Eat, Sleep, & be with friends :) Pregame routine: Listen to music Best memory from playing my sport: Going to the conference tournament finals my freshman year at AQ
9
3
Mikela Caseria Senior ∙ Defensive Specialist Mililani, Hawaii ∙ Mililani High School/Genesee CC
Full Name: Mikela Amber Ku'ulei Caseria Club team: Naopio VB Parents: Josie Kaanehe, Michael Caseria Siblings: Ashley, Giovanni, Nicholas and Rachel Major: Elementary Education Minor: Social Studies Favorite Class: Intro to Education, hands down! Why Aquinas: The family experience that my teams give was awesome and just felt like the right school for me. Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: Art Prize! So much fun. What I like to do outside of volleyball: Just hanging out with my roommates is always a great time. Pregame routine: Jam to music and heartbeat with the team Best memory from playing your sport: I have tons, but the bonds with past and present teammates will by far be the best memory. 10
8
Jackie Overton Senior ∙ Middle Hitter Southfield, Michigan ∙ Southfield High School
Full Name: Jackie Deshay Overton Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Club team: Skillz Finest Parents: Jackie Thompson II and Betty Overton Siblings: Dominique, Antonio, Yvette, Twanna and Linda Overton, Kristen, Jackie Jr (Trey) and Jenice Major: Music Favorite Class: Any music class Why Aquinas: Close to home Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: Nice environment What I like to do outside of volleyball: Read, play piano, eat/cook Pregame routine: Listen to Drake/ Rick Ross Best memory from playing your sport: Building bonds and friendships with my team mates.
11
9
Amy vonKronenberger Tri-Captain ∙ Senior ∙ Defensive Specialist Canadian Lakes, Michigan ∙ Lakeview High School
Name: Amy Renee vonKronenberger Parents: Kim and Bridgid vonKronenberger Siblings: Erin, Michael & Mary Major: Psychology Minor: Communication Favorite Class: Sensation and Perception Why Aquinas: My parents both graduated from here so I figured it couldn't be too bad since they turned out alright. AQ also has a gorgeous campus in such a great city! And of course to play volleyball. Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: The convenience of everything. So much good food! What I like to do outside of volleyball: Any other sport or activity, especially outside. Spending quality time with the girl pals. Pregame routine: Nothing in particular. Just focusing on getting my head right for the game. Best memory from playing my sport: The semifinals my HS basketball team my team played in. 12
17
Megan Toth Senior ∙ Right side Hitter
19
Battle Creek, Michigan ∙ St. Philip Catholic Central
Full name: Megan Elizabeth Toth Club team: WeCan Volleyball Parents: Mike & Kathy Toth Siblings: Laura Major: Sustainable Business Favorite class: Humanities Why Aquinas: I chose AQ because of the small class sizes, Catholic faith, sustainable business major and growing volleyball program. My favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: All the different parts of the town. Gas light village, 28th street, East Town, and downtown all have so many unique shops and restaurants to choose from there is always something to do on any given night. What I like to do outside of volleyball: coach, work with kids, hang with my girl pals. Pre game routine: listen to music with my roomies and lots of stretching Best memory from playing my sport: Winning four straight state titles in high school.
13
Rachel Sprenger Tri-Captain ∙ Junior ∙ Defensive Specialist Grand Rapids, Michigan ∙ West Catholic
Full Name: Rachel Elizabeth Sprenger Club team: Michigan Volleyball Academy & Saints Juniors Parents: Jan and Mike Sprenger Siblings: Christen, Scott, Dan & Kelli Major: Athletic Training Favorite Class: Therapeutic Exercise Why Aquinas: Love the location, beautiful campus, GREAT volleyball program :) Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: There's so much to do in GR! What I like to do outside of volleyball: Shopping, watching movies Pregame routine: Eat a good meal, listen to music Best memory from playing my sport: Ending UNOH's 21 game winning streak last year. 14
4
Hannah Mahoney Junior ∙ Defensive Specialist Whitehall, Michigan ∙ Whitehall
Full Name: Hannah Lee Mahoney Club team: Saints Juniors Parents: Randy and Carrie Mahoney Siblings: Carson and Riley Major: Psychology Minor: CIS/Math and Sociology Favorite Class: Child and Adolescent Development Why Aquinas: Close to home and small classes make it easier to establish relationships with the professors Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: There is always something going on What I like to do outside of volleyball: Hang out with friends, nanny, longboard, and antiquing Pregame routine: Always have to warm-up with Mikela! Best memory from playing my sport: Beating an undefeated UNOH last year 15
6
Elle Sturgell Junior ∙ Middle Hitter Grand Rapids, Michigan ∙ West Catholic
Full Name: Gabrielle Frances Sturgell Club team: Michgan Volleyball Academy Parents: Brad & Mary Siblings: Rhiannon and Bailey Major: Kinesiology and Spanish Favorite Class: Spanish and medical aspects classes Why Aquinas: It was close to home, and my parents have been such a wonderful support system that I couldn't imagine going far away that they couldn't come to games. Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: the nighttime view of the city coming around the Scurve on 96 by Lake Michigan Dr. Also all the fun shops in Eastown, and the liveliness of downtown. What I like to do outside of volleyball: play basketball and other games with people, hang out with friends and family, and watch movies. Pregame routine: Keeping a hot pad on my swinging shoulder before warm ups. And mentally preparing myself before going upstairs, and when warming up. Best memory from playing my sport: Being nicknamed the "one-footed monster" in AAU by my coach and our Dig Pink games. 16
10
Meghan Veldheer Junior ∙ Outside Hitter Ada, Michigan ∙ Forest Hills Eastern/GRCC
Full name: Meghan Aileen Veldheer Club team: Michigan Volleyball Academy Parents: Jim and Mary Veldheer Siblings: Aaron and Jared Major: Communications Minor: MRS degree Favorite class: Pilates Why Aquinas: my parents both graduated from AQ and my dad was a stud basketball player. Also I love the small school aspect and I'm still attached to the umbilical cord... Aka I love my parents Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: Great nightlife and Spoonlickers What I like to do outside of volleyball: Singing in the shower and watching Netflix with my Kendall and Molly Pregame routine: Listening to love on top by Beyonce and I'm instantly in the game. Best memory from playing my sport: Finishing 4th in the gold bracket at AAU nationals in Orlando my senior year 17
11
MacKenzie Kolstad Tri-Captain ∙ Junior ∙ Outside Hitter Richland, Michigan ∙ Gull Lake High School
Full Name: MacKenzie Jo Kolstad Club team: DeadFrog Parents: Dean and Amie Kolstad Siblings: Dean Major: Business Administration and Marketing Minor: Communication Favorite Class: Crisis Management Why Aquinas: I enjoy the small campus size and the family like atmosphere. Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: I love all of the restaurant options! What I like to do outside of volleyball: I like to spend time with family and friends. Pregame routine: Before every game I listen to music and Rachel braids my hair! Best memory from playing my sport: State Quarterfinals Freshman year of high school.
18
13
Kendall Wolffis Junior ∙ Defensive Specialist
15
East Grand Rapids, Michigan ∙ East Grand Rapids/GRCC
Full name: Kendall Paige Wolffis Club: Michigan Volleyball Academy Parents: Tim and Cyndi Wolffis Siblings: Kirk Major: Communications Minor: Spanish Favorite class: Spanish Why Aquinas: I like the idea of a small private school with a quality education, along with the opportunity to play volleyball Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: The tight knit and safe community and great restaurants What I like to do outside of volleyball: Spend time with friends and family Pregame routine: Listening to music with Nicci Best memory from playing my sport: Winning the 2012 NJCAA Division II National Championship while at GRCC.
19
Molly Maynard Junior ∙ Middle Hitter Williamston, Michigan ∙ Williamston/GRCC
Full Name: Molly O'Reilly Maynard Club team: Lansing Area Volleyball Academy & Michigan Volleyball Academy Parents: Ross Maynard, Mary Ellen O'Reilly Siblings: Patrick, Colleen, & Nora Major: Athletic Training Favorite Class: Medical Aspects Why Aquinas: Wanted to stay in the area after leaving GRCC; AQ has my program, as well as a volleyball program that continues to grow Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: There is always something to do, close friends and family, being near the beach What I like to do outside of volleyball: Hangout with friends, travel, rollerblade, eat Pregame routine: Listen to music to relax and stay focused Best memory from playing my sport: Winning the 2012 NJCAA Division II Championship while at GRCC.
20
16
Anna Fencil Sophomore ∙ Defensive Specialist Jenison, Michigan ∙ Jenison
Full Name: Anna Aili-Marie Fencil Club team: Far Out Parents: Todd and Kathy Fencil Siblings: Tommy Major: Undecided Favorite Class: Humanities Why Aquinas: Wanted to play volleyball here and I thought the campus was beautiful Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: The downtown area in general. I also like that Art Prize has become a huge thing here. What I like to do outside of volleyball: Snowboard in the winter and travel with my family Pregame routine: Sleep Best memory from playing my sport: Winning AAU states with the best coach ever (Katie) ;-)
21
1
Sierra VanTil Sophomore ∙ Outside Hitter Coopersville, Michigan ∙ Coopersville
Full Name: Sierra Marie VanTil Club team: Saints Juniors & Inside Out Parents: Marc and Vonda VanTil Siblings: Sydney and Vaughn Major: Education Minor: Early Childhood Favorite Class: Drawing Why Aquinas: I love the campus and small school feel, and I wanted to play volleyball and Aquinas had a spot for me. Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: Grand Rapids has such an amazing city life. I love being in the middle of that but still being close to home. What I like to do outside of volleyball: I love to sing, draw and paint, and hang with friends Pregame routine: I've never really had a routine. My hair has to be the same for every game though. Best memory from playing my sport: Playing for the small club team that my mom coached were some of the best memories I have. Although we weren't that great, we played really hard 100% of the time. 22
5
Kailey Nelson Sophomore ∙ Defensive Specialist Holland, Michigan ∙ West Ottawa
Full name: Kailey Nelson Club: Michigan Volleyball Academy Parents: Matt and Tricia Williams Siblings: Christopher Williams Major: Exercise science Minor: Psychology Favorite class: Any kinesiology class Why Aquinas: It is a smaller school with a beautiful campus Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: Going to art prize! What I like to do outside of volleyball: Snowboarding:) Pregame routine: Listen to music to get me pumped up an drink a blue Gatorade Best memory from playing my sport: Favorite memory would be going to nationals my junior year and playing at the ESPN world wide world of sports in Florida
23
7
Lauren Karpowicz Sophomore ∙ Rightside Hitter Grandville, Michigan ∙ Grandville
Full Name: Lauren Ashley Karpowicz Club team: Saint's Juniors Parents: Chris and Dale Karpowicz Siblings: Stacey Sagraves, Lindsey & Karlee Karpowicz Major: Sociology and Business Favorite Class: Don't have a favorite Why Aquinas: It's small, I am close to home, and it feels like my second home! Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: So many things to do and to see! What I like to do outside of volleyball: Run, hang with friends. Pregame routine: Drink lots of water, eating healthy, and listen to pump up music! Best memory from playing my sport: Last fall season when we played Marygrove; best game for me!
24
14
Brooke Wieland Freshman ∙ Setter Lake Odessa, Michigan ∙ Lakewood
Full name: Brooke Elizabeth Wieland Club: Far Out & Michigan Volleyball Academy Parents: Todd and Betsy Wieland & Becky and Dan Pickard Siblings: Nic Wieland, Alli and Abby Pickard Major: Biology/ Pre-Med Favorite class: Biology Why Aquinas: The size is perfect and I loved the competitive environment! Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: I love that there is so much to do and so many places to explore. What I like to do outside of volleyball: I like to be active and hang out with my friends and family. Pregame routine: Listening to music Best memory from playing my sport: Winning a Class B State Championship in high school!
25
2
Dayle Wood Freshman ∙ Outside Hitter Grant, Michigan ∙ Grant
Full name: Dayle Elizabeth Wood Club team: Inside Out Parents: Darin and Cheri Wood Siblings: Dayna Major: Biology Favorite Class: -Why Aquinas: Welcoming staff and the coffee is the bees knees!! Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: Spoonlickers is within walking distance! What I like to do outside of volleyball: The Ringer and consuming froyo on a weekly basis Pregame Routine: Drink a blue Mountain Dew, listen to Yeah by Usher and I can only imagine by MercyMe Best memory from playing my sport: Receiving my 1000th career kill (high school) on my last home game!
26
12
Michaela Ryan Freshman ∙ Middle Hitter Davison, Michigan ∙ Davison
Full Name: Michaela Ryan Club team: Legacy Parents: Mark & Karen Ryan Siblings: Patrick & Christopher Ryan Major: Biology Minor: Undecided Favorite Class: Anatomy Why Aquinas: Location, the people & volleyball team Favorite thing about living in Grand Rapids: So much to do all the time & it's so pretty What to do outside of volleyball: Spend time with friends and family Pregame routine: Drink Gatorade & Jam out to music to get me pumped up! Best memory from playing my sport: Playing at Junior Olympics 2 years ago in Columbus, OH and all of the amazing friends I've made over the years.
27
18