Although the atmosphere of volleyball can often be extremely competitive, Seniors Ana Grunewald, Sara Vargo, and Katie Persons have never been rivals during their many years of playing volleyball with one another.

“We’ve never really had to compete since we all play different positions,” Vargo explained.

Instead, the trio has formed a strong bond through their shared volleyball experience.

“We have been playing together since middle school so we have always worked together really well,” Grunewald said. “We know each other’s tendencies on the court and I always trust the two of them when we’re playing next to each other.”

This mutual understanding has contributed to a lot of success for the three girls, who were the captains of this year’s varsity volleyball team.

“We beat Grand Rapids Christian last year and made it all the way to the AAU national finals this past summer together,” Grunewald said.

Now, however, the friends are the process of parting ways to pursue their future volleyball careers in different colleges ranging from close to home to far away. Although closing out their careers as high school athletes is a bittersweet experience, they are thrilled for what the imminent future has in store.

“I have always had my eye on Auburn University,” Persons said. “I am extremely excited to be able to play at such an awesome school.”

Sara Vargo recently visited the town of Lewisburg Pennsylvania to meet the team of the college of her choice, Bucknell University. Considered one of the “hidden Ivies” for its strong academics, it also boasts Division 1 athletic programs.

“I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to play volleyball at Bucknell,” Vargo said. “I’ve already bonded with some of the girls so I’m excited to play at a higher level with them. I love my new coach, too. She made me feel at home.”

The three seniors officially committed to their respective colleges in an after school signing ceremony on November 8. It was overall an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all of them.

“The ceremony was really fun and special because of all my friends and family that came to support me,” Vargo said.

“They did a very good job recognizing each student athlete,” Persons agreed.

The signing ceremony was Grunewald’s first step towards “becoming part of a whole new community of people as well as a new team” at Hope College.

“I technically didn’t have a scholarship paper to sign since Hope is Division 3, but the ceremony was still fun,” Grunewald said. “It was nice to get recognized and be with all of the other athletes continuing their sports in college.”

The caliber of their colleges’ volleyball programs was only one factor that went into Grunewald’s, Vargo’s, and Persons’s final selections. The location, environment, and academics of the schools also played a huge role.

“I have always wanted to go south and somewhere warm for college,” Persons said, explaining her decision to attend Auburn University in Alabama. “When I was given the opportunity to play volleyball, I knew that it would be the perfect school for me.”

By contrast, Grunewald opted for Hope College, a school much smaller and closer to home than Auburn.

“I really like the campus and downtown Holland,” she said. “Hope also has a great biomedical engineering department.”

Similar to Grunewald, Vargo chose Bucknell due to its “very strong science programs” and “beautiful campus.”

Despite Grunewald’s, Vargo’s, and Persons’s different career interests and college fits, the three will always remember their shared time together and special team chemistry on the court.

“Our teamwork has been great,” Vargo said. “It’s easy to play together since we all know each other so well.”