Iowa Christian High School Wins 18th Volleyball Championship, Holds 3 State Records

Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa, won the Class 2A state championship for girls volleyball Nov. 3. The team defeated Dike-New Hartford High School at the Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa, three games to two in the final match-up. Coach Tammi Verbeek, a member of Faith Christian Reformed Church, in Sioux Center, Iowa, reflected, “Championships are not a result of one year of hard work and dedication. Championships are a culmination of several years of persistence, reps (repetition), and drive by each individual player. It also includes a significant commitment from parents to encourage the gifts in their kids, and of course a supportive learning community in Western Christian.” 

The 2022 win is the school’s 18th championship in girls volleyball and the 22nd consecutive “Final Four” appearance for Western Christian. That’s an Iowa state record for volleyball, as is the number of appearances in state volleyball tournaments overall: 40. Coach Verbeek has won 13 state titles which gives her the Iowa state record for most state championships by a coach.

Senior players Stella Winterfeld and Abby VerBurg were named to the all-tournament team for Class 2A and were recognized for reaching over 1,000 kills in their careers this season. Senior Hannah Broek surpassed 1,000 assists this season and was named “Top Producer” by the Iowa Pork Producers Association for being “an outstanding player who produced in the championship game for their team’s success.”