Grand Rapids Christian High School
Keira Porte Parents: Connie and Jason PorteKeira has been on the GRC varsity softball team for 4 years and has played softball for a total of 8 years. Keria’s favorite memory from her 4 years is being able to play the same position with Megan H freshman year. She would like to thank her parents, oma and opa for coming to all her games . Keira plans to attend Hope University and is majoring in elementary and special education. Keira's favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Congratulations Keira!Ellie VandeGriendParents: Becca and Andy VandeGriendEllie has been on the GRC varsity softball team for 4 years and has played softball since she was 4 years old. Ellie's favorite memory from her 4 years is panda practice her freshman year. She would like to thank her parents first and foremost for providing her with the ability to play s
More About Celebrating our softball seniors!Our Scholar Athletes Award winners are multi-sport athletes with the highest GPA in their class. Congratulations to our 2025 Scholar Athletes: Calvin Brinks and Alayna McGowan!Male Scholar Athlete: Calvin BrinksGPA: 4.284Sports: Cross Country and Track & FieldFrom Coach Dan Hoekstra: Calvin exemplifies the true spirit of a scholar-athlete through his unwavering hard work, determination, and leadership both in the classroom and through his running of cross country and track. Balancing a rigorous academic schedule with the demanding year-round training required for distance running, Calvin has consistently demonstrated remarkable discipline and drive. His impressive grades reflect his commitment to excellence in his studies, while his performances in both cross country and track showcase his athletic talent and relentless work ethic. Beyond his personal achievements, Calvin has inspired his teammates and classmates, leading by example with integrity, perseverance, and
More About 2025 Scholar Athletes!It was wonderful to celebrate our girls soccer seniors! This is what their parents had to say about them. Kaitlynn TrookParents: Dawson and Gina Trook Watching you play soccer over the past 13 years has brought us so much joy! Along the way, you’ve built amazing friendships and learned perseverance, grit, courage, and commitment. Soccer has taught you something even deeper: your worth isn’t defined by wins or losses, but by Jesus alone. P.S. Your mom probably shouldn’t have started the “goal rewards” tradition… What began as ice cream or donuts somehow escalated to a nose piercing for a district goal, third earrings after a tournament, and now—yes—a tattoo of your favorite Bible verse after your goal against East Grand Rapids last week! May it always remind you that you are deeply loved. Life is full of goals, but the greatest reward comes when you commit your efforts to the Lord and trust His plan. JESUS is your greatest reward. Colossians 3:23-24 says:“
More About Celebrating our Girls Soccer Seniors!We are grateful for the commitment to Grand Rapids Christian athletics from our players and their families. We would like to honor these players an families for their time here at GRC. #2 Logan EatonParents: Rich and Amy EatonSchool: Grand Rapids ChristianLogan has been playing lacrosse since 3rd grade. His favorite lacrosse memory is playing on the team with his brother his sophomore year season. After graduation, Logan plans ot attend Ohio Wesleyan University to play lacrosse and study business and finance.Favorite Bible verse: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9) #3 Aaron GholstonParents: Myesha and Willie Gholston IISchool: Grand Rapids ChristianAaron has been playing lacrosse for 56 days. His favorite lacrosse memory is scoring his first goal in the 5th game of the season. After graduation Aaron will be attending Grand Valley to study sportsmanagement and to run track.Favorite Bib
More About Celebratingating Boys Lacrosse Seniors!Our girls tennis team honored Senior Kaitlyn Schmitt! Captains Avah, Emily, and Anna shared heartfelt words reflecting on Kaitlyn’s lasting impact over the past four years. Known for her fierce forehand and unwavering work ethic, Kaitlyn has been a cornerstone of the team both on and off the court. Her leadership, dedication, and sportsmanship have left a legacy at GRC. We are proud to announce that Kaitlyn will be continuing her tennis journey at Spring Arbor University. We wish her all the best in this exciting next chapter!Here's what her teammates had to say about her:Avah:Dear Kaitlyn, I have really loved getting to know you as well as playing beside you these past 3 years. From getting to know you I have learned that you are an amazing person inside and out. You are encouraging to everyone around you and you never fail to be kind. We all know that when we hear some self talk on the tennis court that it is game time and you mean business. Kaitlyn, you have been a role model to me.
More About Girls Tennis Senior CelebrationSummer Workouts & TrainingStay up to date on off-season workouts and training opportunities. View the summerworkout/training schedule here All Sports, All Seasons Parent MeetingWhen: Monday, August 11 at 8:00 PM via Google MeetWho: One parent/guardian of any student participating in any 2025–26 sport (fall, winter, or spring) must attend.Why: Key info from the Athletic Department on how parents can partner with the athletic department, faith formation, eligibility, social media, training rules, and leadership.Google Meet link will be sent out closer to the meeting.2025–26 Sports PhysicalsAll athletes must have a valid MHSAA physical dated after April 15, 2025 on file in the athletic office before participation.Download the MHSAA physical form here. Parent and student signatures must be completed on the MHSAA form.Submit forms to the Athletic Office online or inperson.New Student Sports Interest FormIf you are a new student to Grand Rapids Christian High School (incl
More About GRCHS 2025-2026 Athletics InformationClassifications for Michigan High School Athletic Association elections and postseason tournaments for the 2025-26 school year have been announced.Classifications for the upcoming school year are based on a second semester count date, which for MHSAA purposes was Feb. 12. The enrollment figure submitted for athletic classification purposes may be different from the count submitted for school aid purposes, as it does not include students ineligible for athletic competition because they reached their 19th birthday prior to Sept. 1 of the current school year and will not include alternative education students if none are allowed athletic eligibility by the local school district.All sports’ tournaments are conducted with schools assigned to equal or nearly equal divisions, with lines dependent on how many schools participate in those respective sports.For 2025-26, there are 754 tournament-qualified member schools. Schools recently were notified of their classification, and sport-
More About MHSAA Announces 2025-2026 School Year ClassificationsThe MHSAA has done a great job of continuing to work to help find balance in athletics by creating breaks in the seasons for athletes and coaches to be with their families. We love working hard to develop our gifts but appropriate scope is important also.Summer Dead Week: June 29-July 5 — this is the actual dead week where there is zero contact between players and coaches and no use of district facilities.Pre-Season Down Time: the week prior to each season there is "down time" where there are no open gyms or captains practices. Only 4-player workouts and conditioning are permitted.You can find our official athletics start dates for 2025-2026 here!
More About 2025-2026 Athletics Start DatesSo much fun to celebrate four of our seniors who have made the decision to continue their athletic career in college!Madison Peal: Volleyball at Hillsdale CollegeCharley Laufer: Gymnastics at Utah State UniversitySimon Triezenberg: Cross Country and Track at High Point UniversityLogan Eaton: Lacrosse at Ohio Welseyan Congratulations Eagles!! See more signing day photos of the event here!
More About Signing Day, November 13, 2024All Sports All Seasons Parent MeetingThe annual All Sport All season Parent Meeting will be held on Monday, August 12, at 8:00 pm via Zoom. (We will send the link out closer to the meeting date.) If you have a student planning to participate in a fall, winter, and/or spring sport in the 2024-2025 school year, you must have one parent/guardian present at this meeting. The Athletic Department will present information important to the quality of your family's experience in athletics at Grand Rapids Christian High School. Some of the topics to be covered include faith formation, social media, eligibility, training rules, and leadership opportunities. Sports PhysicalsEveryone planning to play sports at Grand Rapids Christian High School in the 2024-25 school year needs to have an MHSAA physical form on file with the high school athletic office before they are allowed to participate. A valid physical for 2024-2025 school year must be completed any time after April 15, 2024. You may turn
More About Eagles Athletics 2024-2025We are thrilled to share some exciting news about upcoming renovations that will transform the All City Gym to create improved space for our athletes, PE students, spectators, and guests. During Summer 2024, you will begin seeing these significant upgrades:New volleyball, pickleball and basketball courts, with adjustable hoops for youth programs, plus resurfacing and restriping of the original wood floorRepaired and renovated locker rooms for boys and girls athletic teamsUpgraded and accessible restrooms adjacent to the All City Gym for spectators and guestsNew, accessible bleachers for our spectators with improved safetyNew Team Rooms and flexible spaces for coaches to meet with teams and inspire athletes, featuring state-of-the-art technology and streaming capabilitiesNew opportunities to host four-court basketball tournaments and four-school volleyball quadsEnhanced entrance and lobby to greet spectators and guests that includes seating and a Heritage Wall to honor the rich history
More About All City Gym Renovation!Game 1 vs Sterling Heights StevensonThe Eagles battled back after falling behind 8-0 only to come up short in a 9-7 loss to Stevenson.Henry Streeter led the way offensively for the Eagles going 4-4 with 2 doubles and a triple. Brady Gates collected his first varsity hit collecting a multi hit game going 2-4 with an RBI. Miles Talsma and Cooper Brisbane each collected their varsity hit.Game 2 vs HudsonvilleThe Eagles lost 15-5 in the 2nd game of the day to Hudsonville.Miles Talsma led the way offensively hitting his first home run and driving in 2 Runs. Henry Streeter had another solid game offensively going 1-2 with a double. Breckton Meeuwsen and Isaac Anderson also added a double.
More About Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Multiple OpponentsThe GRC Girls Varsity Tennis Team are officially headed to the MHSAA State Championships after a stellar performance at Regionals on May 15, 2025! The team tied for 2nd place with 22 points, securing one of the four coveted qualifying spots from one of the most competitive regions in the state.Team ScoreGRC – 22 points (Tied for 2nd Place, State Qualifier) Individual Results1 Singles – Henley Honholt – Regional ChampionHenley entered Regionals with quiet determination and delivered a powerful performance. She cruised through her opening match and then faced a tough opponent from East Grand Rapids in the semifinals. After that win, she squared off against Forest Hills Eastern in the finals—a player who had bested her earlier in the season. With unwavering focus and mental toughness, Henley battled through a challenging first set and never looked back, earning the championship title with poise and perseverance.2 Singles – Avah Jerke – SemifinalistAvah showed strong form throughout t
More About Girls Varsity Tennis - RegionalsGrand Rapids Christian closed out their regular season with a resounding sweep of Potter's House HS on Thursday night, 25-15, 25-17, 25-20. Despite being without a couple of key contributors, the Eagles showcased their offensive firepower with a team hitting efficiency of 0.370 for the match. Jack Scholten tallied 10 kills, and Alex Rakotomalala added 5 kills and 4 service aces. Grand Rapids Christian concludes regular season play with a record of 22-7-1, and has risen to #5 in the statewide rankings heading into the postseason next week. The Eagles first playoff game will be against Wyoming Lee; Monday, 5/19 at 6:00PM in the Quest Center at Grand Rapids Christian High School.
More About Boys Varsity Volleyball vs. Potter's HouseThe Varsity Eagles hosted the Hawks of Forest Hills Eastern in the final home game of the season. Despite some quality chances, the hosts would find themselves down 1-0 at the half in spite of controlling much of the play. The Eagles would continue to pressure the visitors in the second half and their efforts would finally be rewarded when Charley Hassenrik got on the end of a Lydia Ydenberg free kick to poke the loose ball past the keeper to level the score. The home side would press for the winner but the match would end 1-1. The Eagles finish their regular season on Monday when they visit Forest Hills Northern at 6:45pm.
More About Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Forest Hills Eastern High SchoolGrand Rapids Christian bounced back in game two with a 13-8 victory over Forest Hills Eastern on Thursday.Rae Cummings earned the win in the circle, going 5.2 innings while allowing just three unearned runs on seven hits. She struck out seven and walked only one. Karina Mora and Reese Mersman came in for relief appearances to close out the game.The Eagles’ bats came alive, led by Cummings and Ellie VandeGriend, who each went 3-for-5 with a walk, single, double, and triple. Keira Porte sparked the offense from the middle of the lineup, driving in three runs with a single and a double. Karina Mora, Greta Holman, and Brecken Cole each added two hits, while Lexi Willis contributed one. Reese Mersman showed strong discipline at the plate, drawing two of the team’s five walks.The win capped off a special night as the Eagles honored their two seniors: Ellie VandeGriend and Keira Porte. Ellie will attend Calvin University in the fall to study nursing, while Keira is headed to Hope College to p
More About Varsity Softball fights back and takes game two from Forest Hills Eastern, 13-8Grand Rapids Christian fell 4-2 to Forest Hills Eastern on Thursday, despite out-hitting the Hawks eight to six.Rae Cummings delivered a strong performance in the circle, keeping Forest Hills Eastern’s offense in check. The right-hander struck out 12 batters over seven innings, allowing just six hits and four runs without issuing a walk.At the plate, the Eagles tallied eight hits but struggled to capitalize with runners on base. Cummings also led the way offensively, going 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and scoring one of the team’s two runs. Greta Holman and Ellie VandeGriend each added two hits, while Keira Porte and Lexi Willis chipped in with one hit apiece.Despite the loss, the Eagles showed grit both ends of the game but came up just short in converting opportunities into runs.
More About Varsity Softball drops game one to Forest Hills EasternGrand Rapids Christian hosted South Christian in their final GR South conference game on Wednesday night. With a share of the conference title on the line, the Eagles fought hard to take the opening set (28-26), but the Sailors rallied to take sets two and three (20-25, 8-15) and repeat as conference champions. Alex Nelson and Jack Scholten Grand Rapids Christian offensively with 9 kills and 8 kills respectively. Max Michael also put forth an efficient offensive night, with 5 kills and just 1 hitting error for the match. The Eagles wrap up regular season action on Thursday night against the Pumas of Potter's House High School.
More About Boys Varsity Volleyball vs. South Christian High SchoolGrand Rapids Christian defeated Caledonia in straight sets on Wednesday night, showcasing a strong offensive attack to put away the Scots 25-19, 25-21. Outside hitter Jack Scholten led the offense barrage with 12 kills on 21 hitting attempts. Setter Eli Wise tallied 24 assists.
More About Boys Varsity Volleyball vs. CaledoniaThe Eagles boys JV golf team defeated FHC at Indian Trails Golf Course 155-167 on a beautiful Wednesday after school. Becket Niewenhuis led the team with a stellar 37, Henry Kraay fired a fantastic 38, Felipe Martinez a very solid 39 and Jayden Langschied rounded out the team scoring with a solid 41. The team plays next on Monday vs FHN.
More About Boys Junior Varsity Golf vs. Forest Hills Central High SchoolThe Eagles were defeated by Forest Hills Northern 6-0. The Eagles managed only 2 hits in the contest. Will DeBlecourt and Henry Streeter picked up the hits for the Eagles. Will Doezema took the loss on the mound working 5 innings allowing 5 Runs while walking 6 and striking out 4.The Eagles play in the Hudsonville invite on Saturday
More About Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Forest Hills Northern HighThe Eagles faced a tough evening on Tuesday as both the JV and varsity teams took on a strong Grand Haven program. While both teams came up short on the scoreboard, the Eagles showed grit, skill, and bright spots that point to a promising future.The JV team fell to Grand Haven 6-9 but put together one of their most exciting performances of the season. Leading the charge was Sophomore Xander Burgess, who delivered a breakout performance with a career-high six goals, energizing the team and keeping them competitive throughout the contest.
More About Grand Rapids Christian JV Boys Lacrosse Battles Hard Against Grand Haven but falls 6-9The Eagles faced a tough evening on Tuesday as both the JV and varsity teams took on a strong Grand Haven program. While both teams came up short on the scoreboard, the Eagles showed grit, skill, and bright spots that point to a promising future.The JV team fell to Grand Haven 6-9 but put together one of their most exciting performances of the season. Leading the charge was Sophomore Xander Burgess, who delivered a breakout performance with a career-high six goals, energizing the team and keeping them competitive throughout the contest.In the varsity matchup, the Eagles were edged out 7-11 in a physical, fast-paced game. Spencer Slagboom led the offense with two goals, showing sharp movement and accuracy. Defensively, Brayden Melinn stood tall in the net, turning away multiple high-pressure shots and keeping the Eagles within striking distance for much of the game.Despite the losses, both squads continue to grow and show strong potential as
More About Grand Rapids Christian Lacrosse Battles Hard Against Grand HavenIt rained, it poured, and the Eagles soared, closing their season with a 9-6 win over Mattawan. The JV Eagles girls lacrosse team capped off their dominant 9-1-1 season with a hard-fought win over Mattawan last night. The wind, the rain, nor the Mattawan Wildcats could stop the Eagles from showcasing their energy, determination, and team work throughout the entirety of the game. Even with only five seconds left, the Eagles still fought to win the last draw, demonstrating their work ethic and drive they’ve developed throughout the season. From the beginning the Eagles took control of the game, starting with draw controls. Overall, the Eagles obtained 80% of the draws, resulting in immediate possession and the ability to get comfortable in the attacking end. Lucy DeBoer won five draw controls, Rylee Anderson won four, Sophia DeHoop and Neve Winstanley won two, and Eva Lindstrom and Noive Saiz Pando won one. These girls boxed Mattawan out to ensure they and their tea
More About Girls Junior Varsity Lacrosse defeats Mattawan High SchoolThe Grand Rapids Christian Eagles took the field Tuesday night against a strong Mattawan squad but came up short in a tough 4-15 loss. From the opening whistle, the Eagles struggled to find their rhythm on both ends of the field, facing challenges in kick-starting the offense and maintaining a solid defensive front.Despite the outcome, the Eagles found moments of promise. The offensive efforts were led by Piper Slagboom, who netted two goals and helped on the draw throughout the game, providing possessions for her team. Additional goals were contributed by Hannah Kits and Grace Kelder, adding to the Eagles' total.The team remains focused and determined as they prepare to bounce back in the first round of Regional play next week. With lessons learned and a renewed drive, the Eagles aim to regroup and emerge stronger in postseason competition.
More About Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs. Mattawan High SchoolThe Eagles lost Game 1 to FHN 8-3. The game was tied 3-3 goimg into the 6th inning before FHN tacked on 5 runs in the last 2 innings. Breckton Meeuwsen, Parker DeHoek and Will Bush had the hits for the Eagles.Jon Bakker battled on the mound going 5 ⅔ innings giving up 3 runs keeping the Eagles in the game.Game 2 of the DH was suspended going into the bottom of the 7th and will be finished Wednesday before the series finale.
More About Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Forest Hills Northern HighIt was our final match of the year to a very memorable season. We played against East Grand Rapids for the second time, but this time it was at Gainey. The first meeting was a hard-fought win. This GRC JV Team was riding on an undefeated season and we used home court to our advantage. We had a lot of even matches and spectacular points. In the end we won, match score was 10-2, and overall score was 16-2. This was the first year that we doubled up all our matches. We played most schools twice, and had two quads. In all head-to-head matches we were a perfect 22-0. Our girls displayed character, mental fortitude, and a will to win every time they stepped on court. They all worked hard, had fun, great team chemistry, and bond. We will miss our Senior girls Ava Baker, Addison Scott, Emmarie Van Oss, Natalie Molenbeek, and Maria Martinez Morell. Most of them have been an instrumental part of this current program that started 3 years ago. Thank you, girls and good luck, on your fut
More About Girls Junior Varsity Tennis beats East Grand Rapids 10-2The Eagles hosted the Rangers from Forest Hills Central in another competitive battle. The visitors got off to a dream start with a goal just two minutes into the match. However, the Eagles responded well when Julia Timmer played through Charley Hassenrik, who calmly beat the keeper and finished into the open goal. The first half would end 1-1. The Eagles would concede the game winning goal with 17 minutes remaining when the Rangers served a dangerous ball into the box that was tapped in after a deflection. The Eagles would continue to work hard and almost equalized late when Hassenrik's shot found the near post. The Eagles would be forced to take another close loss, which has been a theme this season. The Eagles return to the pitch when they host Forest Hills Eastern on Thursday at 7pm.
More About Girls Varsity Soccer falls to Forest Hills Central 1-2The Eagles JV boys golf team lost to FHE at a tough Arrowhead Golf Course north of Lowell. Malachi Sandberg led the team with a 46 and Becket Niewenhuis fired a solid 47. The team plays next on Wednesday vs FHC at Indian Trails GC.
More About Boys Junior Varsity Golf vs. Forest Hills Eastern High SchoolGrand Rapids Christian closed out their doubleheader against Ottawa Hills with a 21-0 victory in game two.Rae Cummings earned her second win of the day, throwing three no-hit innings. She allowed no runs, struck out five, and walked one.At the plate, the Eagles stayed disciplined, collecting 15 hits and drawing 14 walks. Cummings led the offense with two hits and five RBIs, including an inside-the-park grand slam to center field. Ellie VandeGriend, Greta Holman, and Maren Leech also had two hits each. Brecken Cole, Hannah Compagner, Reese Mersman, Karina Mora, Keira Porte, Hannah VanAllen, and Lexi Willis each contributed one hit.The Eagles will play their final conference game on Thursday against Forest Hills Eastern. Fans are encouraged to come out and support seniors Ellie VandeGriend and Keira Porte in their last home game.
More About Varsity Softball takes game two from Ottawa Hills, 21-0Grand Rapids Christian earned a 24-0 win over Ottawa Hills in the first game of their series. Rae Cummings picked up the win for the Eagles, pitching three innings while allowing two hits, no runs, and striking out nine batters with two walks.The Eagles recorded 15 hits in the game. Ellie VandeGriend led the way with three hits and six RBIs, including an inside-the-park grand slam. Cummings also had a strong day at the plate with a single, double, and triple. Greta Holman and Hannah Compagner each added two hits. Megan Afman, Maren Leech, Reese Mersman, Lizzy Terrill, and Lixi Willis each contributed one hit.Kiera Porte led the team with three walks, and the Eagles drew 10 walks overall, showing good discipline at the plate.
More About Varsity Softball takes game one vs Ottawa Hills, 24-0