Ayden Den Herder, a senior at Sioux Center High School has announced her intention to attend Dordt and join the Defender volleyball program.
“We have had our eye on Ayden’s volleyball growth for several years. Each year she has continued to develop in her skills as an attacker, blocker and server. Ayden’s move from playing as an outside hitter to playing in the middle has given her a great understanding of the many positions along the net. Her knowledge and experience in these different roles will provide some wonderful competitive depth for our program. We are grateful for the work that coach Julie Oldenkamp invested into Ayden’s development. Ayden is a wonderful fit for our Christian campus community as she seeks to live out The Defender Way,” said former Dordt volleyball coach Chad Hanson.
Den Herder is a 6-1 middle blocker and outside hitter and totaled 481 kills, 184 bocks, 43 aces and a .257 kill efficiency. She earned third-team all-conference honors from the Siouxland Conference and was an academic all-conference selection. Den Herder averaged 2.0 kills per set for the Warriors in helping them to a regional final.
“I love the team environment and how everything was faith-based. I’m excited to have more opportunities and meet more through it. I prayed deeply about where God wanted me and listened to His voice and this is the decision/answer he gave me,” said Den Herder.
Ayden is the daughter of Jim and Amy Den Herder. She plans to study business administration and marketing at Dordt.
