West Michigan Volleyball Phenom Locks in Commitment to National Powerhouse Program…Read More…
In a move that has sent shockwaves of excitement through the volleyball community, West Michigan junior standout Alyssa Van Doren has officially committed to perennial NCAA powerhouse Stanford University. The 16-year-old outside hitter, widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2026, announced her decision via social media on Tuesday evening, posting a photo in Cardinal gear alongside the caption, “A dream come true… I’m 1000% committed to Stanford Volleyball!”
The announcement marks a major milestone not only for Van Doren but for West Michigan volleyball as a whole. Hailing from Grand Rapids, the Forest Hills Northern High School junior has dominated the local scene, helping elevate her team to the state semifinals last season while also competing for national recognition on the club circuit with the Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy.
A Rising Star with Sky-High Potential
At 6-foot-1 with a lightning-quick arm swing, explosive vertical leap, and impressive volleyball IQ, Van Doren has been on recruiters’ radars since her freshman year. Her development soared during the 2023-2024 season, where she averaged 5.2 kills per set and recorded over 300 digs, 60 blocks, and 45 aces. Her versatility and leadership on and off the court have earned her comparisons to collegiate stars like Logan Eggleston and Kathryn Plummer.
“She’s the full package,” said Michigan Elite head coach Tasha Merritt. “Alyssa is athletic, smart, competitive, and humble. She’s constantly looking for ways to grow her game, and she makes everyone around her better. Stanford is getting not just a great player, but a phenomenal teammate and student.”
Van Doren was courted by several top-tier Division I programs, including Texas, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Louisville, but ultimately chose Stanford for its unmatched combination of athletic excellence and academic prestige.
“From the moment I visited the campus, it felt like home,” Van Doren said in an exclusive interview. “The coaches, the players, the culture—everything about Stanford aligns with who I am and what I value. I’ve always wanted to push myself at the highest level, both on the court and in the classroom. Stanford gives me that opportunity.”
Stanford Reloads with a Michigan Gem
Stanford head coach Kevin Hambly, who has guided the Cardinal to multiple Final Four appearances and national championships since taking over in 2017, expressed enthusiasm about the addition of Van Doren.
“Alyssa is one of the most exciting prospects we’ve seen in recent years,” Hambly said. “Her athleticism and skill set already place her among the elite, but what stood out to us most was her mindset—her work ethic, humility, and drive. She’s going to fit in perfectly with our program’s values and goals.”
Stanford’s 2026 recruiting class, which already includes top-ranked setter Brooke Carver of California and middle blocker Kennedy Griggs from Texas, is now projected to be among the nation’s best. Van Doren’s commitment adds another dynamic layer to a team that continues to reload with elite talent year after year.
A Hometown Hero and Role Model
Back in West Michigan, Van Doren’s rise has inspired a new wave of young volleyball players. Her dedication to training, her academic excellence—she holds a 4.1 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society—and her humble demeanor have made her a local icon.
“She’s not just a great athlete; she’s a great kid,” said Forest Hills Northern head coach Emily Timmons. “She takes time to mentor younger players, she volunteers in the community, and she leads by example. We’re incredibly proud of her and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.”
That influence is already being felt at local volleyball camps, where girls donning “#9 Van Doren” shirts have become a common sight.
“I want to show other girls from Michigan—and really from anywhere—that it’s possible,” Van Doren said. “You can chase big dreams, no matter where you come from. You just have to believe in yourself, work hard, and surround yourself with people who push you to be better.”
What’s Next?
Though she still has her senior year ahead of her, Van Doren is already planning for the future. She intends to major in human biology at Stanford, with aspirations of pursuing a career in sports medicine or physical therapy after volleyball.
Before that, however, she has her sights set on winning a state championship and earning a spot on the USA Volleyball U19 National Team.
“There’s still a lot I want to achieve,” she said. “This commitment is a huge step, but it’s just the beginning.”
As the volleyball world takes notice of Alyssa Van Doren’s journey, one thing is clear: the girl from Grand Rapids with big dreams is just getting started—and the best is yet to come.
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