By Alexandria Webb
Grand Rapids Community College women’s volleyball team extends their win streak to 17 games, defeating Muskegon Community College on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Their victory has allowed them to claim the 2025 MCCAA Northern Conference Championship, making this their 15th conference title.
At the start of the game there was a buzz from the players and stands. The stands were full as it was a special night for many reasons. The team was hosting a Pink Game where all their proceeds would be donated to Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids. That is not all, the night was also to honor the sophomore players and Head Coach Chip Will’s 500th career victory.
Coach Will is currently in his 19th season as head coach and after last night’s victory he secures his 15th conference championship. His other accomplishments include 11 MCCAA championships, 13 regional championships, and winning a NJCAA National Championship in 2012.
Entering into the first set players from both teams were focused and determined for the win. As GRCC had previously faced Muskegon earlier in the season. The first set was a tough battle and eventually Muskegon took the first set winning 25-20.
“I mean you know, they were well coached, they worked hard.” Coach Will says, referring to Muskegon’s win in the first set of the game, “They, you know, punched us early and we had to respond, and more importantly I thought our kids really did a great job of responding after kind of getting hit in that first set.”
Both teams were equally matched, resulting in long and intense rallies within the sets. Sophomore Jersey VanderWall, a defense specialist, gives insight into the thoughts during these tough rallies.
“At one of those rallies, we definitely felt like we want this. We want to go for it. They’re working their butts off. We got to work off our butts, too.” VanderWall says.
Despite their loss with the first set, the team came out with high energy in the second set. This energy was felt throughout the court and stands as the Raiders won 25-17. Coach Will knew there had to be some adjustments on the court in order to secure the win.
“We changed a little bit of a defensive plan, you know, strategically we changed some things.” Coach Will says. “We just want them to stay dialed in on the things that we know they can do from a strategy standpoint. I thought we did a good job of responding.”
Sophomore Ava Tarsi noticed that there needed to be some adjustments on the court regarding the energy within the team.
“We are a pretty energetic team, and so I feel like we have all of that within us. But we kind of were just like okay they’re beating us on energy, right now if this was a game based on energy like they’d sweep us right now,” Tarsi says. “So we just have to top that, because I know it was a bad feeling going over to the other side after the first set, and the parents were going crazy.”
GRCC Raiders vs. MCC Jayhawks Oct. 29 [Kole Meschke/The Collegiate] Kole Meschke | The Collegiate Live
“We focus on our side of the net no matter who or what is on the other side of the net. It can get intimidating to people, but to me, it’s kind of just like we play our game no matter what is going on. I am pretty locked in like that.” Tarsi says, regarding the discourse among the opposing crowd.
VanderWall also highlights the importance of reassurance and excitement that comes from GRCC’s fans. “We know they are on our side, so in front of a big crowd it almost gives us more motivation to come out and show them what we got,” VanderWall says.
This game was more than just another win. It was a night to honor Coach Will and to celebrate the sophomores. It’s a moment that holds so much more value.
“Obviously, to beat our rival in front of, you know, so many alumni, so many families, and friends, and so many people that have played such a big part in making the program what it is today, to do it in front of them is truly special.” Will said.
VanderWall and Tarsi as sophomores themselves comment on the night’s significance to them. What their thoughts as sophomores going into the final stretch of the season.
“It’s a crazy feeling, like, almost being done with volleyball. This is my last season playing volleyball. I love that I am going out with a great team, so it’s awesome.” VanderWall says.
Tarsi also commented on her thoughts as the season nears to a close. “Definitely bittersweet thinking about all of the moments and all the people that I’ve met and everything like that.”
Despite the season almost being over there are still big things awaiting the volleyball team. As they prepare to host the NJCAA Regional Volleyball Tournament, taking place on Thursday, Nov. 6 through Saturday Nov. 8.
“We’re going to come in as a one seed, so we know everyone’s going to want to try to play their best against us. So we have to come out dialed in, we have to come out with the mindset we’re here to try to compete for a trip to nationals.” Will said.
He also noted the importance of the onus of the team with securing a tournament victory at regionals, “That takes the whole team. It takes us doing it every single point, not taking breaks off. It takes all our focus from every single person on the team.”
The Raiders will participate in the MCCAA semifinals in Port Huron against Southwestern Michigan on Saturday Nov. 1. The winner of this game determines who will face off against St. Clair County Community College for the MCCAA Volleyball Championship.
