Bailey VanderGriend, a senior who runs for Sioux Falls Christian High School (S.D.), has announced her intention to attend Dordt University and compete for the Defenders cross country and track and field programs.
VANDER GRIEND NOTES:
- School: Sioux Falls Christian H.S.
- Hometown: Sioux Falls, S.D.
- Parents: Brent and Tracy VanderGriend
- Intended Field of Study: Nursing
- Events: 800m,1600m, 3200m, 4x800, Sprint Medley, Distance Medley, 5000m (XC)
- Personal Best Times / Marks:
- 800m - 2:26
- 1600m - 5:21
- 3200m - 11:29
- 5K (cross country) - 18:39
- Honors / Highlights:
- Cross Country:
- state qualifier
- earned all-state honors after placing seventh at the state meet in 2025
- part of two state championship teams (2024 and 2025)
- earned all-conference honors
- Track and Field
- won the state title as a member of the 4x800 relay
- holds the state record in the 4x800 relay
- Why Dordt:
- "I chose to attend Dordt University because it offers an excellent Christ-centered education, a great Nursing program and competitive athletics."
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.
