GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – West Michigan high schools and local clubs are home to some of the best teams and individuals in the sport of girls volleyball and the proof can be seen throughout with dozens of college commitments. This week we take a look at the various levels of opportunities for student athletes to move on after their high school playing careers are done. From NAIA to D1-D2-D3 at the NCAA level and even Junior Colleges, the opportunities are out there with some work from both sides.
Grand Rapids and the surrounding cities have multiple options for young ladies to move on to play in college with some of the top teams in their respective divisions. Take a look at these options which are around one hour away from downtown Grand Rapids.
Junior Colleges – Grand Rapids CC, Muskegon CC, Kalamazoo Valley CC
NAIA – Aquinas, Cornerstone
NCAA D1 – Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Michigan State
NCAA D2 – Davenport, Ferris State, Grand Valley State
NCAA D3 – Alma, Calvin, Hope, Kalamazoo
NCCAA – Grace Christian, Great Lakes Christian, Kuyper
Below we take a look at eight student athletes who have either signed or committed to schools at the various levels and we get a small glimpse of why they made their choice and some advice for the younger players eager to play in college. These are just eight of the dozens from West Michigan that have chosen to go to school and continue their education and volleyball career.
Finley Arp – South Christian (Grand Valley State)
- Club – Far Out – Opposite/Rightside
- Why did you choose the school that you will be attending in the fall of 2026?
- I chose Grand Valley because I loved the team and how inviting everyone was. I also loved the campus and the positive and competitive community.
- What was the recruiting process like to get to your final decision?
- The recruiting process for me was pretty simple. I knew that I wanted to stay close to home and Grand Valley was top of my list because of the good team chemistry and a competitive program.
- How has your high school team prepared you for the next level?
- My high school team has prepared me for the next level because it teaches me leadership skills and learning to have a positive and competitive attitude.
- How has your club team prepared you for the next level?
- My club team had prepared me for the next level because it had taught me how to compete at a high level and execute my skills. It taught me to trust my training and just to get 1 percent better everyday.
- What is one thing you would encourage younger girls to do in the recruiting process?
- I would encourage other girls to have an open mind and there’s a place for everyone so don’t rush into something if you aren’t ready.
Sophie Blauwkamp – Hamilton (Kalamazoo)
- Club – FaR Out Volleyball Club – Position – L/DS
- Why did you choose the school that you will be attending in the fall of 2026?
- Because it has a close knit program and it’s close to home. I loved the coaching staff and the things that school itself has to offer
- What was the recruiting process like to get to your final decision?
- I visited multiple different schools, and communicated with lots of coaches to learn about the schools and their programs. I also did several prospect camps, and along the way I found the best fit for me.
- How has your high school team prepared you for the next level?
- Going into my senior year this year, we knew we would have some tough competition and we’ve been putting in a lot of practice and effort to get to a point that we can win. My school coach is very good at setting us up for success in all aspects of our lives, including school, and being tough but also supportive towards all the girls on the team.
- How has your club team prepared you for the next level?
- Being with the same club for years has set me up for success in many ways. One being the competition that we are given but also our practices have improved our technical skills along with our intangibles. I have been blessed with many amazing coaches and teammates throughout my time at FaROut that have set me up to be the player and teammate that I am today.
- What is one thing you would encourage younger girls to do in the recruiting process?
- I would say to put yourself out there. Reach out to as many coaches as you can and look into as many programs as you can. Going to camps and playing in front of these coaches is also very helpful because you never know, one of your future coaches could be there. Also don’t be afraid to ask for help during the process. Use your coaches and parents as helpful sources but don’t rely on them.
Karis Chatfield – Jenison (East Tennessee State) – MISS VOLLEYBALL CANDIDATE
- Club- FaR Out Volleyball Club – Position – Outside Hitter
- Why did you choose the school that you will be attending in the fall of 2026?
- This school had an amazing coaching staff and the community was so supportive! I connected with the girls on the team super quickly and it felt like home.
- What was the recruiting process like to get to your final decision?
- It was a rollercoaster of emotions but at the end very exciting
- How has your high school team prepared you for the next level?
- Teaches me to work with different personality’s and builds leadership skills
- How has your club team prepared you for the next level?
- Prepares me by improving my volleyball skills and preforming at high level along with time management skills
- What is one thing you would encourage younger girls to do in the recruiting process?
- I would encourage people to stay true to themselves and don’t make decisions based on other! Take you time and know everything will work ou
Madelyn Hungerford – East Grand Rapids (Mt Vernon Nazarene)
- Club – Rise Academy – Position – Middle Blocker/Opposite
- Why did you choose the school that you will be attending in the fall of 2026?
- I chose MVNU because I loved the coaches, culture and team. MVNU provides what I wanted academically and athletically.
- What was the recruiting process like to get to your final decision?
- I sent out loads of emails, had many calls with various coaches/universities, took a few visits and received my offer from MVNU and decided to accept!
- How has your high school team prepared you for the next level?
- My high school team has prepared me to be a leader, not necessarily vocally, but also by example
- How has your club team prepared you for the next level?
- My club team has prepared me for the high level of competition that comes with playing college volleyball.
- What is one thing you would encourage younger girls to do in the recruiting process?
- The one thing I would encourage younger girls to do in the recruiting process is to start early and email schools you could see yourself going to
Gracelynn Olson – Fruitport – (Indiana – Kokomo)
- Club – Rise Academy – Position – Setter
- Why did you choose the school that you will be attending in the fall of 2026?
- I chose this school not only because of their excellent program but also because of the amazing players and coaches who are part of the team. They are a highly competitive program, currently ranked 8th in the nation. All of the girls are so friendly and make you feel truly wanted on the team. I feel confident that this team will push me to be the best I can be in volleyball while also allowing me to earn a degree in my chosen field of study.
- What was the recruiting process like to get to your final decision?
- The recruiting process felt long and at times stressful. I spent a lot of time researching schools, reaching out to colleges, going on visits, and having phone calls. All of this helped me figure out which school fit me best as both a player and a student. Narrowing down my final choice was difficult because I had several great options. I ultimately knew where I wanted to be and what felt right, but I still felt bad telling the other colleges that I wouldn’t be joining their teams.
- How has your high school team prepared you for the next level?
- My high school team was very competitive, which pushed me to grow as both a player and a leader on and off the court. My varsity coach, who was an All-American setter at Grand Valley State, pushed me tremendously as a setter—from perfecting the little details to teaching me advanced techniques to elevate my game. She never allowed me to settle for just being good.
- How has your club team prepared you for the next level?
- My club team gave me the opportunity to play against some of the best teams in the country while competing in the Open division. The faster pace of play in the Open division prepared me to make decisions quickly and adjust to a higher level of competition.
- What is one thing you would encourage younger girls to do in the recruiting process?
- I would encourage younger players to take chances, reach out to all the teams you’re interested in, and even consider some you may not have thought about before. Go to prospect camps, and don’t get discouraged by rejection. Use every experience as a learning opportunity, and don’t be afraid to fail because failure is what helps you grow
Olivia Petersen – North Muskegon (Calvin)
- Club – Inside Out Volleyball Club – Position – S/RS
- Why did you choose the school that you will be attending in the fall of 2026?
- I chose Calvin University because when I stepped into their gym for the first time everything just clicked, I felt like I was where I wanted to be, and at that moment I just knew. The team was also so welcoming and the coaches were just what I was looking for. They also have an amazing competitive program as well.
- What was the recruiting process like to get to your final decision?
- I started my recruiting process my sophomore year and I went on lots of visits to try and figure out what the academic part of the schools looked like. My Junior year I went to lots of camps and just continued to email and call coaches whenever I could just to update them. I also got my first few offers my junior year, but I waited until I for sure knew what I wanted in a school and in a program, and once I knew I decided to verbally commit.
- How has your high school team prepared you for the next level?
- What it did give me was extra reps and extra playing opportunities to get better. I would work my hardest in practice and games to get as good as I could. I did set a 5-1 my Junior year which really helped me prepare a lot for the next level especially with leadership opportunities
- How has your club team prepared you for the next level?
- My Club seasons are what really helped me get to the next level. I was always pushed to do my best and work hard every day. I played up an age group for 2 years as well which really helped with my confidence and my leadership abilities that I am going to need when I play college volleyball. My club also gave me opportunities to work one on one with an amazing setting coach to continue to level up my skills. It really helped me grow so much as an individual and a player.
- What is one thing you would encourage younger girls to do in the recruiting process?
- Take every opportunity you have. Once you say no to a coach they might never ask you again. Email every college you think you might want to play for. Take every phone call, go to every elite camp, and go on all the visits you need. You want to find the perfect place for you and the best way to do that is by finding out what you like and don’t like about different programs, but you wont ever know if you don’t take those opportunities.
Laynie Russell – Mona Shores (Northern Michigan)
- Club – Rise Academy – Position – Middle Blocker
- Why did you choose the school that you will be attending in the fall of 2026? I love the team culture and the coaches and how close the college is with the community.
- What was the recruiting process like to get to your final decision? When I got offered I kept visiting other schools to see what all was out there and to make sure it was the right place for me
- How has your high school team prepared you for the next level? We have lots of good equipment and teams to play against that help me stay prepared for the speed of club volleyball
- How has your club team prepared you for the next level? Practice as fast as we play, and we have high expectations.
- What is one thing you would encourage younger girls to do in the recruiting process? Start putting in the extra work early and get your name out there and take advantage of your recources
Lexie Stotenbur – FH Northern (Mercer) – MISS VOLLEYBALL CANDIDATE
- Club – FaR Out Volleyball Club – Position – Setter
- Why did you choose the school that you will be attending in the fall of 2026? I choose Mercer because of all the people their made it feel like home to me and where all so welcoming and positive.
- What was the recruiting process like to get to your final decision? The recruiting process was definitely longer for me but after nationals the coach at Mercer came and tracked me down to express a lot of interest, right there I knew I was wanted and that was a great feeling that he believed in me that much.
- How has your high school team prepared you for the next level? My highschool team is extremely competitive and I have learned how to be a leader and how they want to be supported
- How has your club team prepared you for the next level? My club team has taught me how to flat out compete, and to just shut teams down by out competing them
- What is one thing you would encourage younger girls to do in the recruiting process? Stay patient and trust that there is a journey for you, other peoples journey might look very different from yours and there is nothing wrong with that.
MSR Weekly Top-10 Poll – OK Conference and River Cities Alliance
- Rockford – remains undefeated entering OK Red play
- GR Christian – posted a 5-1 week including beating Jenison and Mattawan
- Lowell – went 2-1-1 at Program Cup at MI Elite
- Jenison – went 5-1 on the week
- Grand Haven – undefeated at their home tourney last week
- FH Northern – down a few players due to injury but still posted solid wins
- Byron Center – went 3-0 at the Portage Central mini
- Hudsonville – won the EK Classic
- Holland Christian – strong early season schedule – lost in finals of EK Classic to Hudsonville
- East Grand Rapids – posted a 3-3 mark on the week
Honorable Mention – South Christian, Mona Shores, GR Catholic, Tri-Unity Christian, Northview, Fruitport
The week that was…..
- GR Christian posted a pair of wins over Holland Christian and South Christian at the Holland Christian Tri…The host Maroons defeated South Christian
- Jenison picked up a 5-set win over Mattawan
- GR Catholic Central had a nice week with wins at Grandville and over West Ottawa
- Rockford hosted the Rockford Rumble as the Rams went 4-0 while GR Christian (3-1) and Jenison (3-1) had solid days against strong competition
- Lowell swept Coopersville to take control in the River Cities Alliance
- The EK Classic saw Hudsonville take home the title
The week ahead….
- Tuesday – GR Christian plays at Hudsonville
- Tuesday – Catholic Central hosts FH Northern
- Thursday – Our first “match of the week” broadcast features Caledonia at Byron Center
- Thursday – West Ottawa travels to Grand Haven
- Saturday – Caledonia hosts the Makayla Kohn Memorial Invite
- West Ottawa and Grand Haven host big tournaments along the lakeshore
