Betsy Vander Meer - Head Coach

Co-Head Coach Betsy Vander Meer also returns to the sidelines for the Saints after assisting for 2 ½ years during the 2008-2010 seasons.  The dynamic Vander Meer duo of Betsy and her daughter Katie are very connected in the volleyball community, and will mesh well together as they strive to continue building the program to be an annual WHAC conference contender and a consistent NAIA ranked team.  With the graduation of some key players, both coaches realize that they will have a young team next season.  Coach Betsy Vander Meer smiles as she comments,   “We may be young, but we intend to get the best out of each athlete, be competitive and play aggressively.  Katie and I are both very competitive also believing in structure, discipline and a positive atmosphere. I think our coaching styles will provide a good balance, and we look forward to coaching together.”

Betsy was a four sport athlete at East Grand Rapids High School, where she excelled in swimming/diving, basketball, softball and volleyball.  She was a premier diver and a state champion for EGR.  Her coaching career spans over 35 years and she has coached at all levels, during which at least 12 of those years included volleyball. In addition to her coaching experience, Vander Meer has also been a certified volleyball official for over ten years.

Vander Meer experienced first-hand the positive attributes of Aquinas College watching her daughter Katie complete her degree, and as an assistant coach, see her excel in volleyball.  She comments, “I think Aquinas is a great place for a student/athlete coming out of high school to begin a new chapter in their life.  I watched Katie grow as a person and the quality education that Aquinas College provided was a good fit for her.  The newly renovated Sturrus Sport and Fitness Center is a great venue to compete in.” 

Katie Vander Meer - Head Coach

Former Aquinas College first ever 1^st  team NAIA All-American Katie Vander Meer returns to her alma mater as co-head coach.  Vander Meer’s extensive involvement in playing and coaching volleyball will make for a smooth transition for the volleyball program.  Vander Meer will bring the same intensity to the sideline that she exhibited on the court.  She comments, “I have always aspired to be a head coach at the collegiate level.  Being able to return to Aquinas College as a head coach is awesome.   As a student-athlete I experienced the unique educational opportunities and the individualized attention that I received from my professors.  I wasn’t just a number, but instead my professors took a genuine interest in my well-being.  The opportunity to recruit will be easy for me because I can speak from my heart, knowing that I had a wonderful collegiate experience in all aspects.”  

After a successful high school volleyball career at East Kentwood High School, where Vander Meer earned 1^st team All-State accolades and was a “Miss Volleyball” candidate, she was offered a full-ride athletic scholarship to Michigan State University.  After one year in the Spartan program, Vander Meer felt like Aquinas College would be a better fit for her.  The rest is history.  Prior to her senior year and 1^st team All-American honors, she was a 3^rd team All-American her junior year and an honorable mention All-American her sophomore year.  She was a three time Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) 1^st team All-Conference performer.  Vander Meer was also selected as the WHAC Player of the year in 2010 and the WHAC setter of the year in 2008-09 seasons.  For those who had an opportunity to watch Vander Meer in action on the court, she was a coach on the floor.  Her instincts for the game and ability to make those around her better contributed to the success of the program during her playing career.

Vander Meer has been coaching at various levels for several years.  She was very involved in the Grand Rapid’s area volleyball club programs, coached at the high school level and was a camp counselor at Notre Dame’s and Michigan State’s volleyball camps.  Vander Meer adds, “I may be young, but I am determined.  Volleyball is in my blood and I have such passion for the game.  It will be a great challenge for me to influence the program as a head coach.  I’m eager and I’m ready.”

Athletic Director Terry Bocian comments, “Katie Vander Meer was a strong leader as a player in our program.  She was a natural leader and was the President of our Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB).  I am confident that those leadership skills will make her an outstanding coach.  She knows the game and she has a strong work ethic.”