Seniors Jenna Grasmeyer and Jillian Sommerville, and junior Lauren Hazekamp, will captain the Hope College volleyball team this fall.

All three players helped the Flying Dutch post a 32-3 record last season, reach the NCAA Division III national quarterfinals and claim a share of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship.

The trio represents Hope well and are strong leaders, Hope coach Becky Schmidt said.

Grasmeyer is a two-time All-American outside hitter from Jenison, Michigan (Hudsonville Unity Christian HS). She is majoring in exercise science and minoring in psychology.

“Jenna might be the most decorated player in volleyball program history, but she is as humble as she is talented,” Schmidt said. “She is trusted and respected by all of her teammates and is a tireless worker on the court and in the weight room.”

Sommerville is a middle hitter from Plymouth, Michigan (Salem HS). She is majoring in comprehensive education — kindergarten through eighth grade, and special education for emotionally impaired and disabled.

“Jillian is often the first in the gym and the last to leave in order to get extra reps and continue to improve,” Schmidt said. “ She is passionately competitive and driven to win, but doing representing Hope the right way is even more important to her. She has organized many different community service activities for the team and plays with enthusiasm and love for the game and her teammates.”

Hazekamp is an All-American setter from Fruitport, Michigan (Fruitport HS). She is majoring in exercise science and management. 

“Lauren has the skill, knowledge and confidence to find ways to help our team play at its best, but what really separates her as a leader is her understanding of how to get the most out of each of her teammates,” Schmidt said. “By knowing how to set each player, how to talk to them, and how to put them into positions to be successful, Lauren's play lifts them to new levels.”

 

Hope opens the 2014 season on Friday and Saturday, August 29-30, at the Wittenberg (Ohio) University tournament. The Flying Dutch’s home opener is Tuesday, September 2, against Adrian College.