The 2025 Dordt University volleyball season has officially come to a close, ending with a 19–9 record and a 10–6 mark in GPAC competition. And while the Defenders finished just outside the national tournament bubble, the final days of the season brought both reflection for Head Coach Jacki Smith, who completed her fourth year at the helm.

After a week of practice following the conference tournament loss to Dakota Wesleyan, the Defenders waited for word on whether an at-large berth might still be possible. On Monday, November 10, the team received confirmation that their season had come to an end.

"It was a mix—bittersweet," Smith said. "You're disappointed because a goal was to make the national tournament. But after waiting and wondering, there's also a sense of relief. Seasons do end at some point. You prepare for it, but it still hits you."

What lingered for Smith was the separation from a group she enjoyed coaching. "I'm still working through the depression week," she admitted with a laugh. "I miss the team already."
When Smith looks back on the 2025 campaign, she sees something foundational taking shape—something that began months earlier.

"Our returners took a really big step this year," she said. "Last offseason, they told us they wanted higher standards and to be pushed harder. The toughness you saw in five-set wins and those come-from-behind moments was forged in the spring."

Dordt's roster featured a large core of returners, still young but battle-tested. The results showed:

• A signature win over Midland
• A five-set thriller with Northwestern
• A road win at Dakota Wesleyan
• Consistent competitiveness across the GPAC

Smith sensed a shift. "The team was more hungry and there was more belief that we belonged," she said. "We talked all year about a winners mentality—believing you're a winner before the wins come."

Depth was a defining characteristic. Competition in practice elevated play, and a flexible lineup allowed Dordt to weather injuries and matchups.

"It wasn't such a smack in the face when we got to GPAC play," Smith said. "We had players
 
The Defenders will graduate a uniquely influential group whose impact went far beyond stat lines.

Jill Fisher
Though she didn't see heavy playing time during her career, Fischer became a trusted voice in timeouts and on the bench.

"She became like a student-coach in a player role," Smith said. "She sees the game so well. Sometimes I'd say something to our assistant Marcus just to see Jill's reaction."

Isa Cumana
"If Jill was the brain, Isa was the fire," Smith said.

Cumana's energy and competitive edge helped redefine Dordt's gym culture. "Everything is a big deal to her when it comes to competition," Smith said. "She helped our team grow in embracing that."

Ellie Dokter
Dockter's four-year career was marked by positional changes, rotations, and shifting roles.

"She showed tremendous servant leadership," Smith said. "She went from playing six rotations as a junior to having a different role this year, which is hard. But she handled it so well and modeled team-first mentality."

Peyton Doenhoefer
In a sport filled with emotional swings, Doenhoefer's personality helped keep the team loose.

"When she made a mistake, she'd say 'oops' or crack a joke," Smith said. "Not because we don't take things seriously, but because she helped everyone move on. Volleyball needs that."

Tarren Spartz
From a four-win season as a freshman to a 19-win finish as a graduating junior, Spartz embodied steady growth.

"She got better every year," Smith said. "Her blocking, her efficiency—everything improved. And she's going to be dearly missed for her one-liners and goofiness outside the gym."

A Strong Core Set to Return
Despite the graduating group, Dordt brings back an impressive amount of talent.

• Haley Kuperus (all-conference first team) returns with the versatility to play both middle and right side.
• Ellie Weg will enter next season with a full offseason to rebuild strength after her return this fall.
• Myra Carlson played in 27 matches and has been a steady performer for two seasons.
• A stable, experienced defensive unit of Kylie Beckering, Haley Wielenga, and Amy Doef.
• Setters Chloe Heisman, Carlie Jackson, and Kyler King all return.
• Freshman standout Laney Wolfswinkel now becomes a sophomore—"the best transformation in college volleyball is freshman to sophomore," Smith joked.

"Our returners give us a strong foundation," Smith said. "They know what it takes now."

Smith has shifted attention to 2026—and she plans to build a more challenging non-conference slate.

"I think we need to beef up our non-conference," she said. "We didn't see enough top-level opponents in tournaments this year, and that hurt our RPI."

With a seasoned roster returning, Smith believes Dordt is ready for tougher early tests.

"We want that balance—some matches we should win, some true 50-50s, and some that stretch us. I think we're right on the edge of being invited to stronger tournaments."

Asked how she's different now than when she arrived four seasons ago, Smith responded "I'm way more confident," she said. "Being at a place for an extended time gives you that. Ross (Douma) and
Darin (Keizer) have pushed me professionally, and I'm a better coach now than I was four years ago."

She's also learned the culture, relationships, and rhythms that make Dordt unique.

"I feel established," she said. "I feel like I belong here, not like a transplant from Minnesota with no connections. This is home now."

There will be time for rest. Time for recruiting. Time to heal. Spring season waits just around the corner.

"Come February and March," Smith said, "we're going to be rolling again and getting ready for 2026. Let's go."