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MARCELLUS — For Marcellus senior Talan Hiemstra, choosing a college to continue her academic and athletic career was a culmination of things.

The multi-sport athlete for the Wildcats decided to play volleyball at Southwestern Michigan College because it had everything she was looking for.

“When deciding which college to choose I kept going back to SMC throughout the whole process,” she said. “The campus environment, their amazing new athletic facilities, and the fact that they offer agricultural degree programs through Michigan State University were all big factors in me choosing SMC along with the fact that it is close to home so I can continue to show livestock along with getting to play college volleyball, which are both things I love to do.”

But one of the biggest reasons was the Roadrunners’ head coach.

“The main and biggest reason I ended up choosing SMC is because of coach Jenny Nate,” she said. “I had heard amazing things about coach Nate, and from the first time we spoke, I felt a good connection with her as a coach, she made me feel welcome and wanted in the SMC volleyball program. You can tell she cares a great deal about building a strong volleyball program at SMC and cares even more about her players both on and off the court and I cannot wait to be part of that environment with Coach Nate and my teammates.”

Hiemstra said she also looked at Olivet College, Lake Michigan College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College, along with a few schools in northern Michigan.

Hiemstra, the daughter of David and Carrie Hiemstra, said that after finishing up at Southwestern Michigan Collge that she plans to transfer to either Michigan State University or Purdue University to finish her bachelor’s degree in agricultural business.