DATE OPPONENT SITE TIME/RESULT

Sun., Aug. 26 vs. Rochester Grand Rapids, Mich. W 3-0

Fri., Aug. 31 vs. Judson Chicago, Ill. L 0-3

Fri., Aug. 31 vs. Spring Arbor Chicago, Ill. W 3-0

Sat., Sept. 1 @ Trinity Christian Chicago, Ill. L 0-3

Sat., Sept. 1 vs. Mount Mercy Chicago, Ill. L 2-3

Sat., Sept. 8 vs. Indiana University South Bend Grand Rapids, Mich. W 3-2

Wed., Sept. 12 vs. Cornerstone* Grand Rapids, Mich. L 0-3

Wed., Sept. 19 @ Lawrence Tech* Southfield, Mich. W 3-2

Fri., Sept. 21 @ Madonna* Livonia, Mich. L 0-3

Wed., Sept. 26 vs. Indiana Tech* Grand Rapids, Mich. L 0-3

Fri., Sept. 28 @ Indiana Wesleyan Marion, Ind. 2 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 28 vs. St. Xavier Marion, Ind. 4 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 29 vs. Grace Fort Wayne, Ind. Noon

Sat., Sept. 29 vs. Marian Fort Wayne, Ind. 2 p.m.

Wed., Oct. 3 @ Cornerstone Grand Rapids, Mich. 7 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 5 vs. Lourdes* Grand Rapids, Mich. 7 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 6 vs. IU - Northwest Grand Rapids, Mich. 2 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 6 vs. Huntington Grand Rapids, Mich. 4:30 p.m.

Mon., Oct. 8 @ Rochester Rochester, Mich. TBA

Mon., Oct. 8 vs. Ursuline @ Rochester Rochester, Mich. TBA

Wed., Oct. 10 @ Concordia* Ann Arbor, Mich. 7 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 12 @ Marygrove* Detroit, Mich. 7 p.m.

Wed., Oct. 17 vs. Northwestern Ohio* Grand Rapids, Mich. 7 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 19 vs. Roosevelt Whiting, Ind. 5 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 19 vs. IU East Whiting, Ind. 7 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 20 vs. William Penn Whiting, Ind. 11 a.m.

Sat., Oct. 20 @ Calumet St. Joseph Whiting, Ind. 3 p.m.

Wed., Oct. 24 @ Davenport* Grand Rapids, Mich. 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 & 27 Aquinas/Cornerstone Crossover Grand Rapids, Mich. TBA

Tues., Oct. 30 @ Goshen Goshen, Ind. TBA

Wed., Oct. 31 @ Siena Heights* Adrian, Mich. 7 p.m.

Fri., Nov. 2 vs. UM-Dearborn* Grand Rapids, Mich. 7 p.m.

AQUINAS COLLEGE

GENERAL INFORMATION

LOCATION: Grand Rapids, Michigan

FOUNDED: 1886

NICKNAME: Saints

COLORS: Maroon/Grey

PRESIDENT: Dr. Juan Olivarez (1st year)

ENROLLMENT: 2,518 students

STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 15:1

SAINTS VOLLEYBALL

HEAD COACH: Katie Vander Meer

ALMA MATER: Aquinas College

HEAD COACH: Betsy Vander Meer

AFFILIATION: NAIA Division II

CONFERENCE: Wolverine-Hoosier (WHAC)

2011 RECORD: 26-12

2011 WHAC RECORD: 6-3

2011 WHAC FINISH: Fourth

HOME COURT: Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center

SPORTS INFORMATION AND ATHLETICS

SPORTS INFO DIRECTOR: Mike Wojciakowski

SID PHONE: 616-632-2482

MEDIA GUIDE PUBLICATION: Linda Nash

WEB-SITES: www.aquinas.edu, www.whac.net

VARSITY SPORTS: 24 Sport Opportunities

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Terry Bocian

ATHLETIC PHONE: 616-632-2474

FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE: Gary Karasinski

2012 Volleyball Schedule Inside Cover

AQ at a glance/Table of Contents 1

Aquinas College 2

Grand Rapids 3

Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) 4-5

Aquinas College 125th Anniversary 6

Roster 7

Season Preview 8

Head Coach Katie and Betsy Vander Meer 9-10

Meet the Team 12-13

1

2

Aquinas College, an inclusive educational

community rooted in the Catholic Dominican

tradition, 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.

Aquinas College is rooted in the Dominican

traditions of prayer, study, community and

service, combined with a deep respect for truth,

honesty and integrity. In this spirit, we strive to

create an environment in which integrity is prized

and practiced. We expect all community members

to uphold these values through honesty, fairness,

and respect for others.

3

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.

Aquinas’ campus creates a peaceful environment that

is just moments away from the heart of downtown

Grand Rapids. Residing on 109 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. Only 30 miles from beautiful Lake

Michigan for a relaxing afternoon.

4

Aquinas College 1607 Robinson Rd.

Grand Rapids, MI 49506

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/

Concordia University 4090 Geddes Rd.

Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Founded: 1963

President: 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/

Cornerstone University 1001 E. Beltline Rd.

Grand Rapids, MI 49505

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

Davenport University 6191 Kraft Ave. SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Founded: 1866

President: 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

Founded: 1930

President: Dr. Arthur Snyder

Nickname: Warriors

Colors: Orange & Black

Enrollment: 1471

School Web Site: http://www.indianatech.edu

Athletic Web Site: www.indianatech.edu/

athletics

Lourdes College 6832 Convent Blvd.

Sylvania, OH 43560

Founded: 1958

President: Janet Robinson (Interim)

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

5

Madonna University 36600 Schoolcraft Rd.

Livonia, MI 48150

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

Siena Heights University 1247 E. Siena Heights Drive

Adrian, MI 49221

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 Northwestern Ohio 1441 N. Cable Road

Lima, OH 45805

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/

University of Michigan—Dearborn 4901 Evergreen

Dearborn, MI 48128

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

Lawrence Tech 21000 W 10 Mile Road,

Southfield, MI 48075

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://

Marygrove College 8425 W. McNichols,

Detroit, MI 48221

Founded: 1927

President: Dr. David J. Fike

Nickname: Mustangs

Colors: Green & Gold

Enrollment: 950

School Web Site: http://www.marygrove.edu

Athletic Web Site:

www.marygrovemustangs.com

7

No. Name Pos. Yr. Ht. Hometown/High School (College)

1 Anna Fencil DS Fr. 5-4 Jenison, Mich./Jenison

2 Jen VanCuren MH/RS Fr. 6-3 Rockford, Mich./Rockford

3 Nicci Thomas S Jr. 5-10 Whitehall, Mich./Whitehall

4 Rachel Sprenger S/DS So. 5-5 Grand Rapids, Mich./GR West Catholic

5 Sierra VanTil OH Fr. 5-8 Coopersville, Mich./Coopersville

6 Hannah Mahoney DS So. 5-4 Whitehall, Mich./Whitehall

7 Kailey Nelson S Fr. 5-7 Holland, Mich./Holland West Ottawa

8 Mikela Caseria S Jr. 5-4 Mililani, Hawaii/

Mililani High School/Genesee Community College

9 Jackie Overton RS/M Jr. 5-11 Southfield, Mich./Southfield

10 Elle Sturgell MH/RS So. 6-1 Grand Rapids, Mich./GR West Catholic

12 Jessica Bredeweg* DS Sr. 5-4 East Moline, Mich./South Christian

13 MacKenzie Kolstad* OH So. 5-9 RIchland, Mich./Gull Lake

14 Lauren Karpowicz OH/RS Fr. 5-10 Grandville, Mich./Grandville

17 Amy VonKronen-

berger* OH/DS Jr. 5-9 Lakeview, Mich./ Lakeview

19 Megan Toth RS So. 6-0 Battle Creek, Mich./Battle Creek

9

Co-Head Coach Betsy Vander Meer also returns to

the sidelines 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 will

mesh well together as they strive to continue building

the program to be an annual WHAC conference

contender and a consistent NAIA ranked team.

With the graduation of some key players, both coach-

es realize that they will have a young team next

season. Coach Betsy Vander Meer smiles as she

comments, “We may be young, but we intend to get

the best out of each athlete, be competitive and play

aggressively. Katie and I are both very competitive

also believing in structure, discipline and a positive

atmosphere. I think our coaching styles will provide a

good balance, and we look forward to coaching

together.”

Betsy was a four sport athlete at East Grand Rapids

High School, where she excelled in swimming/diving,

basketball, softball and volleyball. She was a premier

diver and a state champion for EGR. Her coaching

career spans over 35 years and she has coached at

all levels, during which at least 12 of those years

included volleyball. In addition to her coaching experi-

ence, Vander Meer has also been a certified volleyball

official for over ten years.

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 newly renovated 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. This spring was a smooth transition,

and I am confident that the program will be in good

hands.”

Head Coach Betsy Vander Meer

10

Former Aquinas College first ever 1st team NAIA

All-American Katie Vander Meer returns to her alma

mater as co-head coach. Vander Meer’s extensive

involvement in playing and coaching volleyball will

make for a smooth transition for the volleyball pro-

gram. Vander Meer will bring the same intensity to the

sideline that she exhibited on the court. She com-

ments, “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.

As a student-athlete I experienced the unique educa-

tional 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 expe-

rience in all aspects.”

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 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 sea-

sons. 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.

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.”

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.”

Head Coach Katie Vander Meer

#2 Jen VanCuren #3 Nicci Thomas

#4 Rachel Sprenger #5 Sierra Vantil #6 Hannah Mahoney

#7 Kailey Nelson #8 Mikela Caseria #9 Jackie Overton

12

#1 Ana Fencil

#10 Elle Sturgell #12 Jessica Bredeweg #13 MacKenzie Kolstad

#14 Lauren Karpowicz #17 Amy VanKronenberger #19 Megan Toth

13