“The Vander Meer’s have strong Aquinas ties and are well recognized figures within the West Michigan volleyball community,” said Terry Bocian, Aquinas athletic director. “Their passion and knowledge for the sport will enable the Saints volleyball program to continue to excel at both the conference and national level.”
Katie Vander Meer was the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference player of the year in 2010, and led the Saints to a school-record 20-match winning streak. She set a single-season school record with 1,379 assists last year and finished as the all-time leader in assists (3,603), attack percentage (.321) and assists per set (9.36).
She was a three-time NAIA All-American for the Saints and was the only volleyball player in Aquinas history to be named to the All-American first Team.
Betsy Vander Meer served as an assistant coach at Aquinas College from 2008-2010 under Rawles, and coached her daughter. She has also coached in high school at Mona Shores.
“Katie and I are excited for this opportunity to continue to move this volleyball program in a more competitive direction,” said Betsy Vander Meer, who monitored the team after Rawles’ exit. “During spring season, the team was very responsive and supportive as we started implementing some of our own coaching ideas.”
Co-coaches isn’t a first at Aquinas. The women’s tennis program is in its first season under co-coaches Steve Greene and Jordan O’Neill.
