Lauren Lee’s journey to an unprecedented 5,000 career assists for the Hope College volleyball team began on the beach.

The standout Hope setter often traveled to sandy courts with her family as a child. Lee did not need to look far for inspiration to pick up the sport — or to decide where she wanted to play.

“I started playing volleyball because my dad played at the University of Michigan. He was a setter on their men’s team,” Lee said of her father, Dr. Stan Lee, an orthopaedic spine surgeon at Lucent Spine, PLLC, Specialists in Spine Surgery, in the Detroit area. “I grew up watching him play beach volleyball with his friends. I became a setter because of my dad’s passion for the position and the game. He showed me all the tricky things you can do as a setter and how impactful the position can be.”

Lee, a biology major, closed an outstanding four-year career for the Flying Dutch that included numerous individual achievements:

• 5,001 career assists over 129 matches, a school record;
• four All-America selections from the American Volleyball Coaches Association;
• four All-MIAA First Team honors, including Most Valuable Player as a senior and Freshman of the Year in 2022;
• one AVCA Freshman of the Year award.

Lee played a central role in an exceptional four-year stretch for Hope volleyball.

The Flying Dutch finished as national runner-up in 2023, reached the national semifinals in 2024 and advanced to the national quarterfinals in 2022. Hope earned three consecutive MIAA regular-season championships for the second time in program history and captured back-to-back MIAA Tournament titles for the first time.

 

Setting the Table

In all, Lee set the table for the Flying Dutch’s success, head coach Becky Schmidt said.

“I’m super proud of Lauren — 5,000 assists is absolutely huge,” Schmidt said. “She’s an incredible setter and just does so much for us. It’s been so much fun to watch.”

Schmidt believes Hope benefited greatly from Lee playing for the Flying Dutch.

“If she were four or five inches taller, she’d be playing in the Big Ten and doing really great things,” Schmidt said. “I am so thankful for her contributions over her four years. She has done really great things.”

Lee is grateful she chose Hope four years ago as well. While the team’s accomplishments have been rewarding and the individual accolades and milestones bring pride, she said they happened because of the people she played with.

“I am super proud of myself, but more importantly, I am thankful for the help of my team for the past four years,” Lee said. “The primary reason I have been able to reach 5,000 assists is because of the amazing hitters who have put the ball away, the passers who have handled serves and swings so that I can have full offensive autonomy, and the coaching staff who has helped us extend our season as long as possible every year.

“I am humbled and grateful to receive the credit and praise, but this milestone is truly a product of a team effort.”

The journey to 5,000 collegiate assists — and so much more — started with logging countless hours on the beach as a young fan.

Like her father, Lee has shown others how to set and assist teammates on the court. It’s a shared family passion.

“I just love the feeling of chasing down the ball and fixing plays,” Lee said. “When it’s perfect, I love setting others up for success because I know I can’t hit the ball as hard as Kamryn Burbridge or Ella Contant. It’s so awesome to see someone hit the ball as hard as possible.”

 

Winning championships is always the top goal for any athletic program. However, when you go deep into the postseason, especially in volleyball, it can interfere with the staff’s ability to recruit. That’s a good problem to have when you’re bringing home hardware, and Texas A&M head coach Jamie Morrison is already getting work done in the NCAA transfer portal.

Needing to reload a roster that’s losing nine seniors, including four All-Americans and two future professional players, Coach Morrison received some major news on Tuesday. It was announced that former Ohio State middle blocker Kaia Castle and Marquette outside hitter Natalie Ring have committed to Texas A&M. This gives him both a young talent to develop and a proven veteran with high-level production.

STOCKTON, Calif. – A former student-athlete and assistant coach, Pacific brought back volleyball alumnus Jeff Hendershot as head women’s volleyball coach, announced Tuesday by Director of Athletics Adam Tschuor.
 
“I am honored and energized to return to my alma mater as the head coach of Pacific women’s volleyball. This is truly a dream opportunity for me, and I want to thank Adam Tschuor, President Christopher Callahan, and the university administration for their belief in me and their trust in my leadership,” Hendershot said.
 
Hendershot, who graduated cum laude from Pacific in 2009 with a degree in sports management, was a four-year letterwinner on the men’s volleyball team from 2006–09. He recorded 605 kills, 281 digs, 142 blocks, and 47 assists across 98 career matches. As a senior in 2009, he started 20 matches and led the squad with 256 kills.
 
Hendershot returned to campus as the men’s assistant coach for Pacific’s final season in 2014 before the program was discontinued, prior to the university’s announcement of the men’s volleyball program’s return in 2027.
 
“What excites me the most is the chance to connect with our athletes every day, to help them grow and to continue building a program that reflects the very best of Pacific,” Hendershot said. “This program has a proud and distinguished legacy, and we are here to win on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. I am committed to carrying that legacy forward while creating a new, vibrant chapter that unites our alumni, campus community and supporters. I can’t wait to get to work.”
 
Hendershot most recently spent six seasons as the head women’s volleyball coach at the University of La Verne, a Division III institution in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. This past season, he led the Leopards to one of the best years in program history, capturing a regional championship, advancing to the national championship match and finishing with a 30-3 overall record.
 
“Coach Hendershot is a proven leader, an outstanding teacher of the game, and someone who deeply understands what it means to represent Pacific,” Tschuor said. “His success at La Verne speaks for itself, but just as important is his commitment to student-athlete development and building a program. Bringing Coach Hendershot back to Pacific is a special moment for our department, and we are confident he will lead our women’s volleyball program to sustained success.”
 
La Verne’s historic season followed the program’s first-ever SCIAC Tournament Championship in 2024 and an Elite Eight appearance. Hendershot also guided the Leopards to a Sweet 16 finish in 2023.
 
During his six seasons at the helm, Hendershot coached one National Player of the Year, eight All-Americans, 10 All-Region selections, 12 All-SCIAC honorees, nine First-Team All-SCIAC selections, two Region 10 Players of the Year, and two SCIAC Athletes of the Year. Hendershot and his staff were named SCIAC Coaching Staff of the Year twice (2023, 2025).
 
Under Hendershot’s tutelage, Mya Ray emerged as one of the most accomplished athletes in La Verne history. Ray became a four-time All-American, three-time first-team All-American, and a two-time SCIAC and Region 10 Athlete of the Year, among numerous additional accolades.
 
Hendershot earned his 100th career victory on Sept. 12, 2025, leading La Verne to a comeback win after trailing 2–0 to defeat No. 3 UW–Oshkosh on the road. In the same match, Ray became the program’s all-time leader in kills.
 
Hendershot spent a total of 15 seasons at La Verne across two stints, first joining the staff as an assistant coach in 2011. He returned to Pacific for the 2013–14 season before rejoining La Verne, where he was promoted to associate head coach in 2017. He helped guide the program to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2012, 2014, and 2016.
 
A native of Southern California, Hendershot played at Claremont High School where he was a three-year letterwinner with the Wolfpack.
 
He and his wife, Sarine Dadourian, have two children, Amelia and Alex.
 
Stay Social
For all the latest on Pacific Volleyball, be sure to follow the team on X (@PacificVball), Instagram (@pacificvolleyball) and Facebook page (Pacific Volleyball).
 
#PacificProud 
 

UNION, N.J. (12/23/25) – In honor of Veterans Day during the month of November, the Kean Track & Field/Cross Country programs organized a 24-Hour Vigil Walk/Run. The event took place around the track inside Harwood Arena.
 

 

The effort put forth was in support of our nation’s veterans and Mission 22 – a program dedicated towards bringing, healing and hope to veterans and their families. The goal, for the duration of the event, was to have someone either run or walk around the track every single hour for 24 hours consecutively. Donations were sent to the Mission 22 foundation by those who participated.

Several members of the Track & Field/Cross Country programs not only participated in the event, but are either active or non-active members of the military, starting with their ever-impressive Head Coach Danielle Todman.
 

Coach Todman has over two decades of experience serving in the U.S Air Force. Since 2006, she’s a non-commissioned officer in-charge for the Mortuary Affairs and a Honor Guard. A graduate of Bucknell University, Todman is a track athlete in her own right, holding top 10 records in three different events. More recently, she’s competed on the national level in the sport of powerlifting, while being a mentor, leader, and best friend, for her athletes.
 

When asked on what it meant to know that she has a group of athletes and coaches that want to serve on the greatest of scales, Todman admitted that it gave her a level of internal perspective.
 
“It’s humbling, especially to know that, considering what’s going on in the world, my athletes still choose to submit themselves to service, a core value that will call them outside of themselves.”
 
Current members of the program who have enlisted, or are enlisting into the military, include Assistant Coach Patrick Manturi, senior Callens Desrameaux, freshman Ava Blount and freshman Gavin Hall.

 

Manturi, who is an active member of the NJ Air National Guard, is another coach that others on the inside the programs can lean on as a source of guidance and leadership. A 2016 graduate from the University of Scranton, Manturi is a highly credited exercise specialist, with an extensive experience in coaching populations that include, but are not limited to, populations of professional sports, collegiate strength, the special population, and military development training.

 

 

“My reason for serving is to lead by example and continue the legacy of those that have served before me, says Manturi. Since being in, my reason to continue is to be a good role model for my daughter and to build a career that allows me to accomplish my personal goals and to continuously help others.”

 

Manturi shared what it means that his team was able to participate in such a special event on Veterans Day.

 

“It means a lot to me personally. Simply showing up to be at the event provides awareness and an environment to reflect on what serving for your country truly means”. Their presence is felt and there is always strength in numbers so having a good turnout makes me proud to see the team come together and unify since our team has so many veteran ties between coaches and athletes.” 

 

When asked about the mental makeup required to serve in the military, Manturi alluded to a combination of several important traits.

 

“It’s a combination of strength, discipline, growth, and compartmentalizing. Being able to put one foot in front of the other, no matter what obstacles are in front of you. To keep showing up for yourself and for others, while having the ability to organize thoughts and tasks to stay calm when things get hectic. That will ultimately lead to success.”

 

Desrameaux, who was an infantry sergeant deployed to Syria in 2024, shared how his experience in the military impacted him as an athlete on the track team.

 

“As an infantry sergeant who was deployed to Syria in 2024, I have acquired the highest level of discipline, resiliency, and mental toughness. My training and competing while fulfilling leadership responsibilities, have taught me how to manage fatigue, remain collected under pressure, and perform when it counts. These experiences carry over to the track, particularly in events where confidence and concentration are crucial.”

 

 

When asked what it’s like competing for Coach Todman, Callens didn’t shy away from acknowledging how Todman’s experience in the Air Force plays into her coaching style.

 

“Competing for Coach Todman adds an additional level of incentive. She applies the same military responsibilities, including structure, accountability, and attention to detail to her coaching style. Athletes are pushed to give their best because of her leadership, which promotes trust and high standards. Every time I get onto the track, I am motivated to compete with discipline, pride, and a service mindset thanks to coach.”

 

(Coach Todman coaching an athlete during a track and field competition)

 

A winning culture is brewing within the Track & Field / Cross Country programs and with Danielle Todman at the helm, the sky is the limit, and service is the standard.
 

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M volleyball team added graduate transfer outside hitter Natalie Ring to the 2026 roster, head coach Jamie Morrison announced Tuesday.
 

Joining the Maroon & White from Marquette, Ring brings a nationally touted arm and a wealth of experience to Aggieland. She led the Golden Eagles to the second round of the NCAA Tournament this season and dropped a career-high 29 kills in their narrow defeat to No. 2 seed Louisville. Her performance throughout the season earned her Third Team All-America honors, making her the third player in program history to earn spot on the first, second, or third team All-American lists.
 
“We are excited to add Natalie to our Aggie family here in Aggieland,” coach Morrison said. “She brings a wealth of experience as a well-rounded outside hitter and is a relentless competitor who consistently raised her level against the best competition. The 12th Man is going to love her fire, spirit and the way she plays the game.”
 
The outside hitter has tallied 754 kills in her career and recorded 497 this past season which averages out to 4.60 per set. Both her kill total and kills per set in the 2025 campaign ranked in the top-25 nationally. Ring’s versatility was on display all season, as she racked up 197 digs, 46 blocks and 34 aces which accounted for 557.5 points on the year.
 
The Madison, Wisconsin, native’s performances throughout the year earned her a plethora of honors to go with her All-America recognition. She was also named a unanimous All-Big East selection and is a three-time All-Big East Academic Team selection.
 
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Visit 12thMan.com for more information on Texas A&M volleyball. Fans can keep up to date with the A&M volleyball team on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter by following @AggieVolleyball.

PELLA — Central College track and field junior Gabe Feldmann (Mount Pleasant) hasn’t let Cystic Fibrosis slow him down on the track or his generosity off the track to raise support for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

An inherited genetic disease, cystic fibrosis impacts the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. A build up of thick, sticky mucus can lead to breathing problems, infections and digestive issues by blocking ducts and airways.

Depending on the weekend, Feldmann typically competes in races that range from the 200-meter dash up to the way 800-meter run. His focus is on the 400 meters, an event he has completed 13 times in his first two years at Central. Breathing is an important part of all running events, but especially the 400.

           

“You breathe hard in a 400,” he said. “You feel it right in the chest.”

           

He completed the lap around the track in 51.62 seconds at the 2025 American Rivers Outdoor Championships in 2025, placing 22nd. He also was on the fifth place 4×400-meter relay squad at that same meet.

           

Feldmann was approach by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation about using his college athletic experience as a platform to raise money. Starting earlier this fall and running through the end of the Dutch season in early May, Feldmann is posting content on his Instagram account (@gabetracksdowncf) and thanking supporters who have donated to the foundation.

           

“It was the option that really stuck out to me,” he said. “I work out every day no matter what for track but I’m still raising money doing what I do normally.”

           

He’s working towards clocking in at 48 seconds in the 400 this year.

           

“My goal is to run a 48 this year,” he said. “If I’m able to do that, I’ll be able to tell everybody who supported me in this that they were there with me.”

           

Raising money for the foundation is not new to the Feldmann family, who ran fundraising events in Mount Pleasant from 2016-2023.

           

Money isn’t the only motivation for Feldmann, who also wants to inspire other people with cystic fibrosis to chase big goals.

           

“I said I was never going to let being born with Cystic Fibrosis limit me.” He said. “I’ve been an athlete my whole life. If I could show any other kid that having cystic fibrosis doesn’t have to hold them back, that would be super cool. It’s the entire goal.”