Aug. 17, 2025, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College women's volleyball team enters the 2025 season looking to build on one of the most successful campaigns in program history. Coming off a 26-4 record, a perfect 12-0 conference slate, and a final No. 12 national ranking, the Raiders captured their 14th conference title, 11th state championship, and 14th regional crown in 2024. With a strong core of returners, the addition of a proven transfer, and one of the deepest freshman classes in recent memory, expectations remain sky-high for head coach Chip Will and his squad.
Seven players are back from last year's championship run, including several award-winners and leaders across every position:
- Ella Gapczynski & Mady Jessee (Middle Blockers): Provide size and experience at the net with 62 sets played and nearly 80 points scored.
- Allie McGlothlen & Jersey VanderWall (Right Side Hitters): Versatile attackers with 111 sets played and 114 points scored including 64 kills by McGlothen and 30 aces by VanderWall.
- Cece Huizingh (Defensive Specialist/Libero): Earned All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition for her steady play in the back row, leading the team with 256 digs.
- Ava Tarsi (Setter): The floor general returns after being named Second Team All-Conference, All-Freshman Team, and Regional All-Tournament Team. She led the team with 96 sets played and 591 assists.
- Taylor Kik (Outside Hitter): One of the nation's premier players, Taylor earned All-American honors along with All-Region, Conference Player of the Year, Freshman Player of the Year, Regional Tournament MVP, and a spot on the All-Tournament Team at Nationals. She was top-10 in the nation at her position in kills/set and attacking percentage.
Impact Transfer
Christina Williams (MB, Lansing CC): A major addition to the roster, Williams was named All-Region, All-MCCAA, First Team All-Conference and ranked top-10 nationally in hitting percentage and blocks per set last season.
Freshman Class
The Raiders welcome nine freshmen, many of whom bring championship pedigree from strong high school and club programs:
This group adds depth and competition at every position, ensuring GRCC's trademark balance of firepower, defense, and speed.
Season Outlook
The Raiders won't have to wait long to measure themselves against the nation's elite. Their season begins August 22-23 in Rockford, Illinois at the NJCAA Opening Weekend Tournament (OWT). The schedule includes matchups with:
- Johnson County CC (2024 National Runner-Up), Friday, 12 pm EST
- Rock Valley College, Friday, 4:15 pm EST
- Gulf Coast College (Finished 2024 ranked #6), Saturday, 9 am EST
- Kirkwood CC (Finished 2024 ranked #3), Saturday, 1 pm EST
That opening weekend will serve as a benchmark for how this team stacks up on the national stage.
The Raiders will host the Regional Championship Nov. 6-8, and if they can defend their crown, they will return to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for the NJCAA National Tournament with their eyes set on another deep run.
Full schedule available at: https://grccraiders.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule/2025
Full roster along with player bios at: https://grccraiders.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster
For all the latest news, you can also follow the Raiders on:
Interested in supporting GRCC Athletics? All donations can be done through
GRCC Athletic's Scholarship Fund and can specify what scholarship fund the gift is going to, such as the Hofmann scholarship. If you have any questions on how to support Athletics at Grand Rapids Community College, contact the Athletic Department via phone at (616) 234-3883 or email
grccathletics@grcc.edu. Any support is appreciated and goes towards assisting our student-athlete scholarship funds.
