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Zellers to help keep updraft moving for Trine University volleyball program
Early in March, Anna Zellers announced her verbal commitment to join the volleyball program, at Trine University next fall.
Friday, Zellers put pen to paper to confirm her intent to join up with the Thunder starting in the 2022-23 school year.
“When I went to the campus, I fell in love with the size, the distance from home, the volleyball team, coaches and everything,” Zellers said. “The volleyball program is highly competitive in the (Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association).
“I was looking for a place where I could fight for a position to start as a freshman and contribute to the team.”
Trine, located in Angola, had a feel that was hard to replicate according to Zellers.
“The campus feels a lot bigger than it is, being inside Angola, but it also has so many activities for students on campus,” Zellers said. “It’s a close, tight-knit community where everyone is involved in everything.
“All the sports teams support each other and come out to watch each other’s games. There is a lot of school spirit on campus.”
Zellers said she intended to study special and elementary education, noting her current class selection as a senior had given her the encouragement needed to continue pursuing the field.
“I’ve really fallen in love with education this year,” Zellers said. “I’ve been involved in a program through Area 30 where I’ve been able to help teach in a third grade special education class and I’m excited to continue doing that.
“I’m looking to also one day, hopefully be a volleyball coach and will minor in coaching.”
Trine finished 17-16 in the 2021 season, reaching the semifinal of the MIAA tournament before falling to Hope, the conference runner-up who fell to eventual NCAA champions Wisconsin-Eau Claire, as did Calvin, who won the MIAA tournament and lost to the Blugold in the national title match.
“The coaches are looking for freshmen to come in for four years and contribute to the program,” Zellers said about the coaching staff. “They want genuine people who want to be great at volleyball, who are in it for the long ride and be successful.
“The last couple of years, they’ve been third in their conference behind a pair of multi-time national champions in Hope and Calvin. I’m really looking to help push things forward and make the next steps to get to the NCAAs and be a great team.”
As a setter who accumulated 2,144 assists as a Tiger Cub, Zellers said the coaches would look to work her in as a setter but added she would be willing to play along the back line if that’s what was needed to get into the lineup.
“I listed my position as a setter and defensive specialist as I am on the smaller side,” Zellers said. “Wherever I fit in, I want to play as I’ve had experience at doing both.
“The coaches are looking at me as a setter as I like to take charge and run the floor.”
With graduation coming into view and the new school year not the far away, Zellers said she was keeping herself occupied to help make the transition smoother but was ready to jump in to a new adventure when the time came.”
“The biggest thing is just going to be balancing everything as an incoming freshman,” Zellers said. “It’s important to tie all the different aspects together.
“I like to keep myself busy right now so the transition is not too hard. The biggest thing will be not procrastinating and trying to get things done.
“I’m so excited and so ready for the next step in my volleyball and academic journey,” Zellers added. “I’m really excited to experience a new town with new people and I couldn’t be more excited.”