Taylor VanderGriend (Sioux Falls, S.D.) has signed a letter of intent to attend Dordt University and join the Defender cross country and track and field programs.  

"I am pleased to welcome Taylor to our distance crew," said Dordt University Head Cross Country coach Nate Wolf. "Taylor is new to distance running and has a strong work ethic and immense potential as a distance runner.  I look forward to her development in our program and anticipate her contributing at a high level as a Defender.  As a person, Taylor is quick to smile and support her teammates.  She will have an impact across Dordt's campus in a variety of ways and  I am excited to work with her for the next four years."

Vande Griend plans to study Biology / Pre-Vet at Dordt and is the daughter of Brent and Tracy.

"I chose to attend Dordt University because of the amazing Chris-centered community and high quality science / pre-vet 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.