KVCC a great fit for White Pigeon grad Atherton
The Kalamazoo Valley Community College volleyball team officially opens its season later this month. The Cougars will play at the Parkland Back to School Tournament in Champaign, Ill.
White Pigeon graduate Rainie Atherton is looking forward to being with her teammates as the season starts. Atherton will continue her academic and volleyball careers with KVCC, a place she felt comfortable.
“It’s closer to home, which is nice, so I’m not too far away from my family,” she said. “That makes it easier for me. I wanted to live in a bigger city because White Pigeon is so tiny, but I also wanted a smaller school, so KVCC was a perfect fit for me.”
KVCC head coach Jennifer Buikema said she was excited to land a player like Atherton.
The Cougars were looking for a defensive specialist and Atherton fits the bill there. Buikema said the libero position in college, which isn’t always a pretty one, is very important.
The Cougars also never comes in with a designated libero and it’s a position that has to be earned by someone who comes in and out-works others.
“It’s a very tough position in college and it requires someone who can come in and be consistent,” Buikema said. “Last year we didn’t have anyone who could play defense while also being solid at serve-receive. We’re hoping to have that this season.”
Atherton was referred to Buikema and KVCC by a couple of opposing coaches of White Pigeon. Buikema said that is certainly high praise, when an opposing coach contacts her to talk of the talents of another player.
“We had two coaches refer her to us, she’s an outstanding defensive player,” Buikema said. “She has a great attitude and her ability to stop other teams from running their offense made her a standout. Coaches who get to know my program know that I am very appreciative of referrals.”
Atherton played all four years at White Pigeon for Wendi Schrader.
“Rainie is a very coachable player, she got better when she was pushed,” Schrader said. “The way she reads the offense, she is able to pick up everything the other team is doing.”
Buikema said Atherton will have the opportunity to come in and earn playing time right away.
Atherton plans to study early childhood education. She has aspirations of being a teacher someday and even helped as an aide during her senior year at a local kindergarten class.
“It was super fun, but those kids wore me out every day,” she said. “But it’s worth it.”
The White Pigeon graduate knows there will be some adjustments in college. She’s anxious about living on her own, without her parents, but feels she is ready for that challenge.
She’s looking forward to meeting new friends as well. Sure, she’s going to miss her friends and the atmosphere of being at White Pigeon, but it’s also time for her to take the next step in her life.
“I think this is a good fit for what she’s looking for right now,” Schrader said. “I think this is the best fit for her.”
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: KVCC a great fit for White Pigeon grad Atherton
