Hope College Volleyball Honors 2014 Championship Team in Riveting Win Over Calvin

Holland, MI – On Friday night, the Hope College volleyball team took the court at DeVos Fieldhouse with a mix of nostalgia and inspiration, defeating their longtime rivals, the Calvin Knights, in a decisive sweep of 25-21, 26-24, 25-12. This match not only showcased the talent of the current team but also celebrated the remarkable journey of the 2014 National Championship Team during their reunion.

Before the match, the 2014 championship squad was honored in front of a lively crowd of 2,357 fans. These players, who defeated Calvin in the NCAA semifinals a decade ago and went on to claim victory against Emory for the title, reflected on their unforgettable experiences. “It gives me the chills still thinking about it,” remarked All-American Jenna Grasmeyer. “Having our arms around each other as we watched that last kill was just so special.”

The current Hope team demonstrated their prowess on the court. Though they initially struggled, trailing in the first set, key plays from Annie Lockett and others helped them secure the first win. They displayed remarkable resolve in the second set, rallying from 23-18 down to win 26-24, before finishing strong in the third set.

Coach Becky Schmidt expressed her joy about welcoming back the championship team, noting, “It was just such a great group that set the stage for the types of aspirations we are able to have because that group did it.” This year’s lineup features exceptional talents like Addie VanderWeide and Lauren Lee, reminiscent of the skills shown in 2014.

Hope’s victory over Calvin continues to set the bar high for their season, with both the players and coaching staff motivated to chase another title. As they look back fondly on their past, their drive for success remains a significant aspect of the program’s legacy.