Two accomplished student-athletes from Ripon Christian’s California Interscholastic Federation champion volleyball teams are taking their talents out of state.
Ava Van Groningen and Joel Van Groningen were celebrated at the Ripon Christian gym Thursday for their college commitments. Ava has signed with NCAA Division I private school Campbell University out Buies Creek, N.C., while Joel is continuing a family tradition and headed to Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa.
The two are not related, but both Van Groningen families were present along with teammates and coaches from Ripon Christian and Rage Volleyball Club.
Ava Van Groningen starred on RC’s CIF State Division IV championship team in the fall. The Knights finished 35-6 and also claimed their 18th Sac-Joaquin Section title.
The 6-foot-1 outside hitter contributed 231 kills (1.9 per set), 32 blocks, 301 digs (2.4 per set) and 66 aces, earning All-Southern Athletic League and Manteca Bulletin All-Area honors. She transferred from Elliot Christian of Lodi after her freshman year and has enjoyed her time at RC.
“Obviously, it’s amazing going out with a state championship,” Ava said. “All the hard work paid off.”
She is joining a Fighting Camels team that has risen to prominence under 10th-year coach Greg Goral, who led them to their Big South championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021. In the fall, Campbell claimed its first regular-season title, finishing 14-2 and 19-11 overall.
“They’ve been winning a lot and won the Big South championship last year,” Ava said. “It’s a program that is always looking to get better, and I’m excited to be part of that.”
Campbell coaches discovered Van Groningen through a recruiting website, and though she was originally drawn by the team, she fell in love with everything else that the school and Buies Creek had to offer.
“I realized that I would love the community there, other than the volleyball,” she said. “I visited a few months ago and loved the atmosphere and the family feel. I met all the players on the team, and I feel like it’s a place where I can really fit in.”
Van Groningen plans to study criminology.
Joel Van Groningen is following in the footsteps of older brother Lukas, their parents, Chris and Laurie and several other relatives who have attended Dordt University.
Lukas is a sophomore setter for the Defenders (13-2). He and head coach Chad Hanson were present for Joel’s signing ceremony Thursday after Dordt completed a three-match tour of Northern California-based opponents. The Defenders are ranked No. 14 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics coaches poll.
Despite his family’s roots with the school, Joel said it is where he truly wants to be.
“It was more for the school itself,” he said “The (volleyball) team is great, but I like the Christian atmosphere, and the people in the community are super nice.”
A prolific 6-4 outside hitter, Joel finished in the top 10 in the state in kills (446), hitting percentage (.459) and aces (107). He anchored Ripon Christian’s historic 28-1 run to the CIF Division IV Northern Regional championship. Van Groningen earned Manteca Bulletin All-Area MVP, All-SAL MVP and SJS All-Section Team honors.
Joel is hopeful he can play his senior year, even in a limited role. He is out with an injured shoulder, which may keep him out for the entire season.
“I’m going to see a specialist,” Van Groningen said. “I might just play defense this year. It’s great that I chose a school that I really wanted to go to, and not just for the team. If something where to happen, like if I were to get injured and can’t play anymore, I’ll still be at a school I would enjoy.”
He will major in engineering.
