WINONA LAKE – Sitting in her office Wednesday afternoon, Katie Van Hofwegen admitted she's a little nervous about this weekend's season-opening tournament. Trying to adjust to life in a place you've never been, surrounded by people you're still trying to get to know each day, will have that effect on a person. The competitive nature of Grace College's new volleyball coach, as well as the confidence in her voice when answering questions, however, suggests she's more than ready to lead the Lady Lancers into battle. Van Hofwegen took over Grace College's successful program this summer, replacing Andria Harshman, who led the Lady Lancers to 106 wins over the past four seasons before accepting the head coaching position at Colorado Christian University. Coming off a 30-12 season, the Lady Lancers host the Grace College Classic tonight and Saturday at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center. The tournament includes IU-East, Trinity Christian, St. Ambrose and IU-Kokomo. “Yes I'm nervous, and I'm excited at the same time,” said Van Hofwegen. “Obviously we've got a ton of talent back. Coach Harshman left me in a great position with her recruiting class, and the returners that she had. So, we're gonna be a pretty solid team. “Obviously it's our first tournament, so there's going to be some things we've got to work out, but it'll just be fun to see them compete against other people. We've been competing really hard against each other in practice, so I know they're pretty excited to see the court and see some competition.” Van Hofwegen is originally from Riverside, Calif., where she played high school volleyball at Riverside Christian. After a successful prep career, she landed on the other side of the country, playing collegiately at Shorter University in Rome, Ga. A standout player for Shorter University, Van Hofwegen was named the Southern States Athletic Conference libero of the year in 2010 and was a two-time all-conference selection. Van Hofwegen ended her college career at Shorter University as the program's all-time leader in service aces (163) and was second in digs with 1,536. She also holds the school record for service aces in a season with 66. Van Hofwegen’s journey has taken her from California to the south, and now to Winona Lake, where she's only been for a couple months. Van Hofwegen has been on the move, but she believes she's right where she's supposed to be, even if contact with her family means Face Time and social media. “I think it's always great to move around and see what other places have to offer," said Van Hofwegen. "I really felt God led me to Georgia, and then he led me to Virginia (as an assistant at Randolph College) and now he's led me here, which has been wonderful. “I think there's pros and cons everywhere you live, and it's just about embracing all the pros and the positive things. So far I haven't found anything negative about Winona Lake or Warsaw, but ask me in January when it's cold and snowing. But seriously, I feel God led me here, and I'm excited to be here. This is a great place to work. Everyone is so kind and caring, especially (athletic secretary) Kelly (Sharp) and (athletic director) Chad (Briscoe).” Just as Van Hofwegen had nothing but good things to say about her experiences in Kosciusko County so far, as well as with the athletic department staff, Briscoe has been impressed with his new coach. “Katie's transition was very quick this summer,” said Briscoe. “She hit the ground running with two weeks of summer camp back to back, which were very well attended. The team just completed two weeks of preseason practice, and it has been great to watch her begin to build relationships with the players. “The team continues to transition to learning her new system, which we know will take time early in the year. We could not be more pleased with her leadership and impact on the program. We look forward to the upcoming season.”
