Blayne Gacke and her family pose for a photo commemorating Blayne’s signing with Dordt University. Pictured are Layton, Teagin, Rowyn, Jeremy, Blayne, Elizabeth and Amara Gacke. (Photo/Submitted)

Sydney Denekamp | Staff Intern

Blayne Gacke, a Tri-Valley senior, signed with Dordt University for the continuation of her volleyball career and her education. 

Gacke has been playing volleyball since the third grade. She said the most impactful part of her volleyball career was being able to play club volleyball at the Sanford Pentagon for three years. She also played on the Tri-Valley high school varsity team for four years. 

“I started volleyball young and fell in love,” Gacke said, citing her competitive nature as something that drew her to the sport.

Bridget Ebert, Gacke’s high school coach, described Gacke as “a strong and determined competitor that works hard on and off the court.” She went on to say, “Blayne’s exceptional work ethic as well as her ability to see the court and the competition’s strategy is one of many skills that makes Blayne stand out on our court.”

Ebert has known Gacke since Gacke was in sixth grade. She coached Gacke throughout high school and praised Gacke as an exceptional volleyball player.

“I am beyond thrilled for Blayne. Everything Blayne has received she has worked extremely hard for and never gave a second thought to being less than her best… I am very proud of her accomplishments and achievements over the years and know she will do amazing things while at Dordt,” Ebert said.

Gacke hopes to bring her competitive spirit to the Dordt volleyball team as well as to grow as a player herself. She looks forward to working with Chad Hanson, the head volleyball coach at Dordt University, as well as the other coaching staff and volleyball players. 

According to Ebert, high schoolers generally get signed to a college team one of two ways: the college recognizes the student’s ability and pursues the athlete or the athlete contacts schools with a collection of their statistics, video of their gameplay, and an email or letter.

Ebert recommends aspiring college athletes to commit to their goals early. “If you want something bad enough you must work for it and the preparation starts long before the start of your senior year. Be the athlete that everyone is watching, not always because you are making the most points, but because you are being the best leader and encouraging all your teammates,” she said. 

Ebert also advises students to be well-rounded in their high school careers as well as to be organized in the search for college teams. 

Gacke recommends high schoolers reach out to colleges and create highlight videos of their performances. She also recommends students continue to reach out if they do not get a response within a few days. Gacke said her biggest piece of advice is to go to the college that is the best fit.

Beyond volleyball Gacke plans to double major in elementary and special education. She also indicated said she would love to be able to coach volleyball and help others achieve what she has in the future

“I am super excited to have made the decision. I look forward to the future and can’t wait to get to work with Coach Hanson and the coaching staff,” Gacke said. She continued, “I look forward to meeting the team and creating many new friendships. I know that I have made the right decision by choosing Dordt as my future.”