Jeff Nycz, Mid-South Images Grace Volleyball announces incoming 2022 class Grace College's volleyball team has high hopes for the upcoming 2022 season. The future is bright for the Lady Lancers, who have qualified for the NCCAA National Championships three times under head coach Katie Van Hofwegen. Click on a name below to learn more about each of the new Lancers! LIVIA TATE Hometown/High School: Heyworth, Ill. / University High SchoolPosition: MBHeight: 6-0Reason for choosing Grace: I instantly fell in love with the environment with Grace Volleyball and the community on campus. Everyone was very welcoming and excited that I was there. I'm ready to make a positive impact on the team and contribute to a successful season.Accolades: All-Conference TeamAll-Academic TeamAll-Area Second TeamTop blocker in the CS8 conferenceDuring her senior year, she registered 136 kills, 49 solo blocks and 80 total blocksHit .264 during her senior season and was one of the top-10 hitters in the conferenceCoach Katie's comments: “Livia has trained at a high level and will be ready to contribute as a great blocker right away for us. We are excited to see her impact on and off the court." EMMA BLACKFORD Hometown/High School: Encinitas, Calif. / Tri-City ChristianPosition: DSHeight: 5-3Reason for choosing Grace: I chose Grace College because of the Christian environment filled with genuine and intentional people, coaches and professors. My goal is to become a leader on and off the court and to constantly push myself and my teammates every practice and game.Accolades: Career record holder at Tri-City Christian for most digsSingle-season record holder at Tri-City Christian for most digsLed California Division 3 in digsRanked No. 16 in the state for most digsMVP and Hustle AwardAll-Tournament TeamCIF San Diego Runner-Up2021 Christian Athlete of the YearAlso played midfield on the school's soccer team, helping the squad win the Ocean LeagueCoach Katie's comments: “Emma has a great serve and is a solid, aggressive defender. She will be a perfect fit for our program and our campus.” ALYSSA THOMPSON Hometown/High School: Marion, Ind. / Oak HillPosition: OHHeight: 5-9Reason for choosing Grace: I chose Grace College because I really enjoyed getting to know the girls on the team. Coach Katie was a super impactful vessel of God's faithfulness toward our family as well, and I felt that the way God's love was shown toward me during our visit days was the main attraction. I was drawn into the team almost as soon as I walked into the arena where they made it clear that it was OK for me to be myself. I want to reach a new level in my volleyball abilities with a fun group of girls who push me to grow physically, mentally and spiritually.Accolades: All-Conference performer from Oak Hill, earning four lettersEarned All-Conference recognition as a senior and honorable mention as a juniorFinished her senior season ranked No. 2 in the conference for killsTallied 283 kills and 275 digs as a senior, helping the team to an 18-10 recordProduced over 500 kills and 600 digs in her careerNamed Team MVP as a juniorCoach Katie's comments: “Alyssa has a powerful arm and a smart volleyball IQ. She brings a ton of energy and joy to the court, which will be infectious to those around her.” ELIZABETH SCHMIDT Hometown/High School: Warsaw, Ind. / WarsawPrevious School: St. Andrews University (N.C.)Position: DSHeight: 5-5Reason for choosing Grace: I chose Grace College because it gave me exactly what I wanted in a college, including a great finance program and the opportunity to continue playing volleyball.Accolades: Transferred after playing collegiate beach volleyball at St. Andrews University, an NAIA school in North CarolinaPlayed on the No. 1 doubles' team at St. AndrewsWas a four-year starter on Warsaw's varsity teamEarned Academic All-State recognition in 2020Played club volleyball for NIVA, Dunes and Outland clubsCoach Katie's comments: “Liz has a very soft platform, and she is an excellent serve receive passer. I'm looking forward to her joining our volleyball family.” Read More 06.25.24 Volleyball announces 2024 signees 06.30.23 Volleyball excited to unveil 2023 class 08.04.21 Volleyball announces incoming class 10.19.20 Eakright comes full circle with Grace