The Hamilton girls swim and dive team capped off an unforgettable season with a spectacular showing at the MHSAA Division 3 State Finals, held Friday and Saturday at the Holland Aquatic Center. The Hawkeyes brought home multiple top-ten finishes, a school record, and the first diving state title in school history.
For Head Coach Liz VandeWege, the weekend was the culmination of months of relentless work.
“The girls team worked really hard this season to reach goals that we set back in August,” VandeWege said. “It’s a testament to their dedication, grit, and drive to succeed.”
Throughout the season, Hamilton athletes reached new milestones: two school records, three conference champions, four All-Conference honorees, 57 personal records, a diving regional champion, a state diving champion, a two-time Paralympic state champion, and ultimately, an 8th-place team finish at the State Meet.
Popma Wins Historic State Diving Title
Hamilton junior Josi Popma made history on Saturday, becoming the first state champion in Hamilton diving with a score of 399.40. After placing third last season, Popma entered the finals with a chance to claim the top spot—but the title came down to her very last dive.
“We knew she had a shot at winning based on her scores,” VandeWege shared. “Her level of focus and commitment at practice is what got her to where she is. It came down to her final dive. She knew it wasn’t her best, but because of her high degree of difficulty, she was able to pull off the win that she very much deserves. We are so proud of her and the work she’s put in this year.”
Popma's championship marks a new chapter in Hamilton’s growing swim and dive tradition.
Hoover Repeats as Paralympic State Champion
Charlee Hoover also brought home hardware, earning state titles in both the Paralympic 50-yard and 100-yard Freestyle events. While she raced without direct competitors this year, her improvement throughout the season was dramatic.
“She dropped five seconds in her 50 free and thirteen seconds in her 100,” VandeWege said. “I’m thankful to have Charlee on the team and especially grateful that the MHSAA has this event.”
Top Performances Across the Board
The Hawkeyes delivered big swims and dives throughout the meet:
Alyssa Volkers — State Runner-Up in the 200 Freestyle, breaking her own school record with a 1:54.41; 3rd place in the 500 Freestyle (5:14.13).
Adi Garvelink — 14th place in the 100 Breaststroke (1:11.97).
200 Freestyle Relay (Keira Volkers, Adi Garvelink, Paige Kleinheksel, Alyssa Volkers) — 7th place with a time of 1:41.11.
200 Medley Relay (Alyssa Volkers, Adi Garvelink, Keira Volkers, Paige Kleinheksel) — 9th place with a season-best 1:53.28.
Maya Miller — 9th place in Diving with a score of 326.75.
As Hamilton continues to build upon the years of success in its swim and dive program, Coach VandeWege sees even more potential ahead.
“Swimming is such a great opportunity for any person to build strength, cardiovascular endurance, and friendships,” she said. “I’m looking to build the program and get more kids involved in everything that the swim and dive world has to offer.”
