(Monday, December 19; Sioux Center, Iowa) Tarren Spatz, a senior at Worthington High School (Minnesota), has announced her intention to attend Dordt University and join the Defender volleyball program.  

"I'm very excited about Tarren joining our program! She brings athleticism, versatility and physicality. She is a wonderful addition to our program that is sure to make an impact," said Dordt head coach Jacki Smith. 

Spartz is a 5-11 outside hitter and she totaled 785 kills during her career.  She had 66 service aces in a season and 350 kills this season.  Spartz earned first team all-area twice and was a two-time Big South All-Conference honoree while also earning an academic all-state honor.  She also played for the SouthWest Minnesota Juniors.  

"Dordt creates a wonderful atmosphere where student-athletes can embrace innovative experiences while deepening their faith. The coaching staff and players provided a warm welcome as I am looking forward to forming a bond with them on and off the court. Dordt is the place where I feel most at home and I'm extremely grateful and excited to spend the next four years at Dordt," said Spatz. 

Tarren is the daughter of Keith and Shelly Spartz of Wilmont, Minnesota.  She plans to enter the pre-dentistry program. 

Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive Christian college rooted in the Reformed tradition. The Defender athletic program is a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) and the Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association (MACHA).   

U.S. News & World Report, Money Magazine, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review all list Dordt on their best colleges lists. Dordt is home to approximately 1,500 students.