Former Valley Volleyball Star Named New Head Coach

Rhonda Sturgeon Earned MVP of the Year for Volleyball While A Student

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Kalamazoo Valley Community College alumna and volleyball standout Rhonda Sturgeon has been named the college's new head volleyball coach. Sturgeon has over 30 years of coaching experience, and won many accolades for her volleyball skills while a student at Kalamazoo Valley, including the Dale B. Lake Award, the institution's highest honor for a student-athlete.

"It's kind of surreal," Sturgeon said. "I get to return home, where I loved playing ball and I get to coach it. I get to be with young women who want to be good athletes and good humans."

Sturgeon started on April 18, replacing Jennifer Buekema, who had just completed her ninth season. Sturgeon has played and/or coached multiple sports, among them softball, basketball and track and field, in addition to volleyball. Sturgeon holds an associate degree in elementary education from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Her bachelor's degree is in education from Central Michigan University, where she majored in teaching students with emotional impairments.

At Kalamazoo Valley, Sturgeon was active on both the softball and volleyball teams. Especially excelling at volleyball, she served as volleyball captain. She was once chosen Kalamazoo Valley Community College MVP for volleyball and named to the Michigan Community College Athletic Association All Western Conference Team for volleyball. Professionally, Sturgeon, who was a decorated three-sport athlete at Hackett Catholic Prep High School in Kalamazoo, is a teacher for KRESA's Valley Center, dedicated to students with emotional and unique behavioral needs.

"I'm pleased to have Rhonda on board as our new head volleyball coach," Athletic Director Russ Panico said. "She comes to Kalamazoo Valley with a wealth of coaching experience, not only in the high school setting, but also in local club volleyball programs. She is respected amongst her coaching peers and parents of past and present players. She will be a great recruiter of academic and athletic high school talent for our volleyball program."

Most recently, she had been coaching the U16 National team in volleyball at Next Level Performance in Schoolcraft. Last year, she was a coach for USA Michigan Volleyball, as well as the Junior Varsity coach at Portage Central High School. In April of 2018, Sturgeon was inducted into the Kalamazoo Area Catholic Schools Hall of Fame. During her days as a student at Hackett, she was named Kalamazoo Gazette Prep Athlete of the Week and selected to the All-Conference Team for volleyball, basketball and softball. She also earned the B'Nai B'rith Top Scholar Award, which recognizes outstanding student-athletes.

Sturgeon called it a "full circle" moment to be back at Valley. She looks back fondly on her time as a student here, recalling how supported staff members made her feel during a period when she was unsure of her career path.

"When I first walked in the halls when I was meeting with Russ (the athletic director), it just felt like I was coming home," Sturgeon said. "I loved being here when I was a student-athlete. I didn't know what I wanted to do. The people here, the professors and counselors helped guide me to where I am today."