Quick Hits

Holly Bihlman, Sports Editor

Volleyball hires Jamie Ashmore as new assistant coach

Upon the promoting of Jason Johnson to head coach for the women’s volleyball team, the assistant coach position has finally been filled by Grand Valley State University volleyball alumni, Jamie Ashmore. Ashmore played on the volleyball team from 2005-2008 as a starter all four years, bringing the team to a Division II National Championship in 2005. After graduation, Ashmore spent ten years as the only head coach in Indiana University South Bend’s program. She recorded an overall record of 146-143 during her tenure, competing in the National Association of Intercolligate Athletics division. Moving up to a Division II team will offer a new challenge for Ashmore, but coach Johnson is looking forward to bringing Ashmore back to her old team after coaching her back in the early 2000s.

Men’s basketball non-conference schedule announced

As fall sports begin to take off, the winter sports are just beginning to see the start to their seasons. The men’s basketball team starts game play on Nov. 3 against Alma College at the Fieldhouse Arena for their first game since their runner-up title in last year’s GLIAC Conference. The Lakers will play five more games throughout November, including two home games on Nov. 20 and 23 against Cedarville University and Grace Christian Academy. Their last two home games will be on Dec. 20 and 31 to wrap up their non-conference play against University of Southern Indiana and a New Year’s Eve game against Judson University. Several returning players will be using their extra COVID-19 eligibility, including last year’s preseason Player of the Year, senior forward Jake Van Tubbergen. Another returner is All-GLIAC and All-Defense senior forward, Christian Negron, as well as senior guards Deleon Brown and Issac Gassman to round out the seniors on the roster.

Women’s soccer ranked first in GLIAC preseason poll

At the helm of a new start for the Grand Valley State University soccer team, new head coach Jim Conlon is inheriting some big shoes to fill after seven-year head coach, Jeff Hosler, moved to coach Michigan State. The GLIAC preseason poll ranks GVSU at the top of the list this year after their fourteenth GLIAC Tournament title last spring. The women’s soccer team has tallied up fifteen GLIAC regular fall season championships straight, and they’ll be defending their 2019 National Championship. Their season begins on Sept 2. on the GVSU soccer field against Lindenwood, welcoming several new faces to the team, as well as welcoming back three-time All-American senior defender Cecilia Steinwascher, and seniors Makenna Schoolman, Madie Knaggs, and Caitie Baron.