Why Sadie Huizenga chose GVSU for diving and dream career

Dan D'Addona, The Holland Sentinel
·2 min read
Zeeland East's Sadie Huizenga signed with Grand Valley State on Wednesday.
Zeeland East's Sadie Huizenga signed with Grand Valley State on Wednesday.

ZEELAND - Sadie Huizenga has been one of the top athletes in the area for years.

She started as an elite gymnast and has been a relay state qualifier in track and field. But her biggest skill has come on the diving boards.

Huizenga has been one of the top divers in the state the past three years.

The Zeeland East senior is taking that to Grand Valley State next year. Huizenga signed a national letter-of-intent on Wednesday to accept a scholarship with the Lakers.

"This opportunity means so much to me," Huizenga said. "I knew since growing up that I wanted to be a collegiate athlete but I never expected it to be diving. After quitting gymnastics and turning to diving I found to love the sport."

Huizenga won the OK Rainbow Conference title the past three years. She was a regional champion and all-state performer and was named The Holland Sentinel Diver of the Year the past three seasons.

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Grand Valley State is an NCAA Division II program ranked in the top 10 in the country and has a stellar diving program that includes two-time NCAA champion Gracyn Segard.

Huizenga will be a strong addition to a strong diving group.

More:Sadie Huizenga, Makenzie Baldwin are Holland Sentinel diver, swimmer of year

"She always puts in her best effort, and that sets her apart," Zeeland diving coach Stephanie VanNuil said.

She also found a school with the right program for her academic desires.

Zeeland's Sadie Huizenga poses for a portrait Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, at Zeeland West High School. Huizenga has been named The Sentinel's Diver of The Year.
Zeeland's Sadie Huizenga poses for a portrait Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, at Zeeland West High School. Huizenga has been named The Sentinel's Diver of The Year.

"When I went to Grand Valley I knew I would fit in there and that it was the right college for me. I hope to accomplish my dreams of becoming an ultrasound technician and helping others while also becoming a better athlete," she said. "I thank my family and my friends for pushing me to get here and for supporting me in all my decisions."

Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Sadie Huizenga chose GVSU for diving and dream career