Tiny Team, Big Hearts

The head coach of the TC Christian Sabre Volleyball team is a TCCS alumna who is relishing the opportunity to coach her old team.

Katelyn (Vanvreede) Shaffran has been serving as the Head Coach of the TC Christian Varsity Volleyball program since 2016, and she couldn’t be happier. “As a TC Christian alumna, I really looked forward to coming back and coaching the volleyball team.” It’s not the job that has her hooked. “The girls are the reason I love it. They are determined, respectful, and competitive young ladies who I’m honored to coach.”

Katelyn’s ties to TC Christian extend beyond coaching. “My big sister and three brothers also attended TCCS. You could say we’re Sabres for life. I played volleyball with my sister, Jessica, along with basketball and tennis, and my big brothers - Mike, Tony, and Billy - were Sabre soccer players who also played basketball. We love competition and still like to catch a game at the school when we can.”

Katelyn and her siblings grew up on Traverse City’s west side and made the daily commute across town to TC Chrstian “in our super-sized family van.” Growing up in a Christian family and attending Christian school ensured “we understood who we were in Christ and that service above self was paramount.”

It was a sacrifice for mom and dad to send five kids to TC Christian but they believed it was important. Our parents showed us that with God, all things are possible.”

Katelyn Vancreede, TC Christian Sabres, 2011

Katelyn credits her parents, Bill and Tammy Vanvreede, for instilling in them the lessons of faith, love, and determination, lessons that she leans on today. “It was a sacrifice for mom and dad to send five kids to TC Christian but they believed it was important. Our parents showed us that with God, all things are possible.”

After graduating from TCCS in 2011, Katelyn attended Michigan State University where she earned her Bachelors In Hospitality Management. “Entrepreneurship runs in my family, “ said Katelyn, “so it was only natural I use my major to develop a business” After coordinating over 500 weddings and events with another company, Katelyn struck out on her own and started Katelyn Rose Events. “It has been an exciting journey but”, she adds with a wry grin, “Covid has certainly made its presence felt.” In addition to running her own business, Katelyn manages the office of V Dermatology, a medical practice run by her brother, Dr. Tony Vanvreede.

Coaching a team and running a business share several principles for success. “You learn - and have to use - so many important life skills: organization, leadership, time management, effort and commitment, teamwork, and so much more. These are all critical to success.”

Katelyn on the TCCS Senior Mission Trip, 2011

In 2019, Katelyn married Nick Shaffran, a native of Leland who works with Boone Construction. “Nick is the perfect mate for me. He’s an athlete who understands my role as coach, and totally supports my work with the team.”

Katelyn and Nick make their home in Traverse City and are making the move to City Church which, interestingly, is housed in the building where TC Christian first started operations in the mid-1990s. “We love City Church and see several other TC Christian alum who serve and worship there each week.” In their free time, Katelyn and Nick enjoy adventures and hikes around Northern Michigan and relaxing with family and friends.

When it comes to volleyball, however, there has been little time to relax. Prior to taking on the Varsity role, Katelyn coached JV and Middle School volleyball at TCCS. “I am so incredibly proud of each team I coached. When I became the Varsity coach five years ago, I was coaching girls I had back in Middle School.”

Katelyn is clear when it comes to how she leads her team. “My coaching philosophy is simple. Through respect, teamwork, and determination we can accomplish big things. We always say, ‘Tiny Team, Big Hearts.’ Our team has always been small, but that doesn’t stop us. Each practice and each year, we do our best to grow as both individuals and players. When we work together and treat each other with respect, it’s truly incredible to see what we can overcome.”

Despite being the smallest team in the District, the Sabres under Katelyn’s direction have been fierce competitors. They finished the 202021 season with a 26-7 record and were ranked #2 in the state for their division. A highlight was a convincing win over perennial powerhouse, Leland, in regular conference play. “That was quite a night,” said Katelyn. “I was so proud of our girls. They never gave up.”

Ultimately, though, coaching is always about the relationship. “I love volleyball, for sure, but I care deeply about the girls. I think that’s important. I try to create a relationship with them, have fun, and do whatever I can to contribute to their success, both on and off the court.”

With all the ups and downs running a business and coaching a sports team during a pandemic, one might forgive Katelyn for wanting to put her feet up and chill. Nothing could be further from the truth. “Nick and I welcome our first child - a baby girl - into this world in May. We have a full calendar of weddings and events over the summer and then I start preparing for volleyball in the Fall. Excited? You bet!”