Enjoy Eight Home Volleyball Matches at Valley this Fall
2025 Kalamazoo Valley volleyball team photo w/ coaches
Women's volleyball season is underway at Kalamazoo Valley Community College! You're invited to drop in at any time at the home games, which are always free at the college's Texas Township Campus.
The Lady Cougars will have their first home match on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6:30 p.m. against Grace Christian University. Come out and wear your college apparel! Below are the rest of the home matches for the 2025 season:
- 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | SEPT. 9 vs. Jackson Community College
- 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | SEPT. 18 vs. Kellogg Community College
- 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | SEPT. 30 vs. Marian University's Ancilla College
- 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | OCT. 7 vs. Glen Oaks Community College
- 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | OCT. 9 vs. Lansing Community College
- 6:30 p.m. | Thursday | OCT. 16 vs. Southwestern Michigan College
- 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday | OCT. 28 vs. Lake Michigan College
Note that the above Sept. 18 game is the first official home conference match. Click here for the full schedule that includes both home and away games. For regular updates on the team, be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook @kvccvb.
Season Overview
The Cougar volleyball team is gearing up for the 2025 season with fierce enthusiasm and a renewed sense of purpose. With a strong returning core and an exciting group of newcomers, the Lady Cougars are poised to be top competitors in the Western Conference of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA). Leading the charge are Head Coach Rhonda Sturgeon and Assistant Coach Makayla Bootland, now entering their third season at the helm. Their leadership and strategic vision have helped shape a dynamic and talented roster that promises to deliver thrilling performances on the court.
The Cougars will lean heavily on the experience and grit of their returning players. Arabella Mangold and Olivia Dennis, both 2024 Honorable Mention All-Western
Conference selections, will anchor the offense. Mangold contributed heavily with her hitting and service aces, while Dennis was a standout blocker and consistent server. Alicyn Arevalo, a middle transfer, brings collegiate experience and leadership to the front line. Her presence at the net and competitive mindset will be a major asset. Havilah Fitzgerald, shifting from setter to libero, will lead the defense with her court awareness and quick reflexes. Kiara Wisdom, a returning defensive specialist, will provide key support in the back row. Dennis will share the co-captain responsibilities with Fitzgerald.
The Cougars welcome 11 freshmen to the 2025 roster, including decorated high school athletes Jozee Buglione (Constantine) and Elizabeth Sweeney (Erie Mason), both All-State Honorable Mention outside hitters, who bring explosive arm swings and athleticism to the offense. Ava Vanlerberghe (Gull Lake) and Sadie Laubenthal (Holt), All-Region middle blockers, add height, power and blocking prowess. Gracie Smith (Decatur), a versatile pin hitter with a strong club background, will contribute across the front row. Sophia Stirdivant (Wayland) and Gabby Holloway (Lawton), both dynamic hitters, round out a group of freshmen ready to make an immediate impact.
Kali Evans (Centreville), a three-time All-State setter with over 2,000 career assists, and Sophia Anderson (Holt), an All-Region standout known for her high volleyball IQ and leadership, will command the offense with a fast-paced, high-tempo style. Tori Thorbjornsen (Three Rivers), an All-Region defensive specialist, and Anna Reverski (Portage Central) will bolster the serve receive and back-row defense, bringing grit and consistency to the court.
"With a blend of seasoned leadership, high-impact transfers and a powerhouse freshman class, the Lady Cougars are ready to take the MCCAA by storm," Coach Sturgeon said. "Stay tuned for a season full of intensity, growth and Cougar pride!"