The Hamilton Hawkeyes volleyball team is off to an outstanding start to the 2024 season in the new OK White. This season, the team is driven by a core group of four experienced seniors, all determined to take the Hawkeyes on a postseason run. Kaitlyn Geurink, Maddie Stoel, and Hannah Glupker have all been on varsity for four years, while Ally Kragt has been a varsity player since her sophomore year. Combined with the experience of fellow seniors Ava Slotman and Lauren VanOmmen, they have set their sights on winning the program’s 14th district championship, but their first.
"I've been working with the four seniors since they were middle schoolers," third year head coach Britney Fogerty explained. "To see how much they have grown as players and people is something I'm so happy to be a part of. We have created the best coach-player bond I could ever ask, and I'll miss that in the future."
The road hasn't been easy for the Hawkeyes in years past. The players have experienced defeat in the district championship game the past two seasons, first to Holland Christian and in 2023 against South Christian.
“Over the years, I’ve had role models on the team that I’ve looked up to,” said second-year captain, Hannah Glupker. “I’ve worked on my leadership and being where I need to be for my team. There’s a lot of belief in this group.”
Coach Fogerty says she knew right away that this team would be special. With the six seniors and contributions from the younger players, the potential and chemistry is there to leave a legacy in 2024.
"This group adds a new flare to keep everyone motivated," Fogerty said. "The whole team meshes in their own unique ways and it's so fun to see. The seniors have created such an open and supporting space for every play to be themselves."
Reflecting on the team’s previous district championship appearances, Geurink shared, “It’s something that you’re so close to but have never gotten, it just drives you more and more, and this is our last chance to get it. This really motivates us.”
This year, the stakes are even higher as Hamilton hosts the district tournament in early November. “We’re very excited,” said Stoel. “We’ve all been on varsity for a long time so we’ve been in district games before, and we know what it’s like to lose. We know what to expect now.”
With this season marking their final opportunity, Kragt echoed the team’s determination: “It’s our main goal, it’s our last hoorah, and I really think we can do it.”
