The fall season of high school sports is truly heating up here in Holland. This week showcased some outstanding performances from local athletes across various sports, and it’s time to recognize those who stood out.

Leading the charge this week is VanderZwaag, a linebacker who made a significant impact during the Division 3 regional final against Forest Hills Central. VanderZwaag’s crucial interception became a pivotal moment in the game, changing the momentum in favor of his team. He didn’t stop there, contributing a massive sack on fourth down which helped secure the victory. On offense, he scored two touchdowns, proving to be a dual threat on the field.

In volleyball, a senior middle hitter showcased her talent with a remarkable performance despite her team’s loss to Portage Northern in the Division 1 regional semifinals. She recorded 11 kills, four blocks, and three aces in a thrilling five-set match, leaving everything on the court.

Additionally, an outstanding outside hitter from Zeeland also put on a show in a regional semifinal against South Christian, tallying 17 kills in a hard-fought four-set match. Although the Maroons ended their stellar season, her efforts did not go unnoticed, as she was named second-team all-state and played a significant role in leading her team to a fifth place finish at the state tournament with a win against Birmingham Seaholm.

With all these incredible performances, it’s difficult to choose just one athlete of the week. Voting for the top athlete will be open until noon on Friday. Who do you think deserves the title? Last week’s winner was Akiah Garvelink from West Ottawa volleyball.

As the season continues to unfold, the excitement in Holland is palpable. Stay tuned for more amazing performances as athletes push themselves to finish strong in the fall sports season!