Whitehall was already working on a lot of change this offseason with the retirement of longtime coach Ted Edsall and the graduation of a pair of four-year varsity stars who earned all-conference recognition in 2024 (Bella Fogus and Sidney Shepherd). Unfortunately, an injury added further tweaks to the lineup.
Defensive specialist Aaliyah Jamison suffered a torn ACL that will keep her out for the season, adding a third spot in the Viking lineup to turn over. Returning starters Lou Mulder and Delaney Kramer provide a good start, but others will have to step up too.
"Lou and Delaney are both entering a year where they are considered upperclassmen," Vikings' coach Claire McGrew said. "With that, I know we have set goals to help build their leadership and guidance with others during this season. I look for them to grow and develop into these starting roles."
Supplementing the two returning offensive threats will be Kaylin Skuse and Clare Westerlund, who slot into the middle hitter positions. Leading the defensive unit are Mayson Milliron and Maggy Michaelson.
"All the girls on this team are ready to work and compete," McGrew said. "I am looking for them to grow exponentially."
With a lot of young talent to groom, McGrew is preaching an aggressive, unafraid mindset. The focus is on game-to-game and match-to-match improvement.
"We just spent a great team-building trip to Camp Miniwanca, where we shared personal and athletic goals," McGrew said. "We are trying to shape our mindset of 'just go/do' without doubting first. These girls have taken this process on gracefully and I am already seeing this goal being addressed."
The Vikings will get chances to cut their teeth at some major invitationals, including meets at Fruitport and Mona Shores and one at home, in addition to the GMAA. Whitehall is always among the contenders in the West Michigan Conference Lakes, but rival Montague will be a big-time match as usual.
