Seasons built on history-making achievements rarely end quietly. For Fremont’s volleyball team, the final chapter of their unforgettable 2025 run closed on the state’s biggest stage, surrounded not by disappointment, but by pride in what they accomplished together.
The Packers’ journey ended in the Division 2 semifinals at Kellogg Arena, where they battled Flat Rock in a four-set showdown. Although Fremont fell 3–1, the seniors walked off the court knowing they had pushed the program further than it had ever gone.
A Breakthrough Season Built on Milestones
What distinguished Fremont’s 2025 team was not one moment, but an accumulation of many firsts. It began with a thrilling, five-set victory over Fruitport for the school’s first-ever regional championship — a win delivered in front of a roaring home crowd that shook the gym and set the tone for what was to come.
From there, the Packers surged into the quarterfinals, meeting Ogemaw Heights at Ferris State University. After a rocky start, the team stormed back with determination, taking three of the final four sets in another dramatic five-set battle. The fifth set, which saw Fremont regain momentum after falling behind late, showcased the grit and unity that defined their postseason identity. When the final serve dropped in, Fremont had officially earned its first berth in the state semifinals.
The emotions were high throughout their run — excitement, nerves, pure adrenaline — but the players kept leaning on each other. Their bond carried them through several comeback situations and remained their strongest asset through every test.
The Semifinal Showdown: Heart, Defense, and Relentless Fight
Against Flat Rock, Fremont faced one of the toughest offenses they had seen all year. The Rams opened strong, building early leads in the first set before Fremont’s defense settled in and nearly staged a late comeback. Although the Packers fell 25–20, they proved they could compete at the semifinal pace.
Set two was a tug-of-war. Fremont jumped in front, Flat Rock answered, and both teams traded points with little separation. The Rams edged out a 26–24 win, but Fremont’s energy didn’t waver. The Packers regrouped, tightened their blocking, and pushed the tempo in the third set to secure a 25–23 victory that kept their season alive.
Flat Rock’s hitters, led by Sarah Giroux and supported by Reagan Higdon and Lilly Klein, continued to apply pressure. Yet Fremont refused to fold, even when trailing 16–9 in the fourth set. The Packers clawed back to within two points at 24–22 before the Rams finally closed the match.
Despite the defeat, Fremont showcased the competitive spirit that brought them to Battle Creek in the first place — a refusal to give in, even when the odds tilted against them.
Leaders on the Court
Fremont’s balanced offense and tenacious defense were on full display throughout the semifinal:
- Taylor DeKuiper and Ava Geers led the team with nine kills each.
- Ashe VandenBerg, a consistent threat all postseason, added eight kills.
- Brynna Barnhart orchestrated the attack with 30 assists while contributing across the stat sheet in digs and blocks.
- Grace Evans anchored the defense with 24 digs and four aces.
- Raenah Smalligan, Ella Shriver, Hallie Snyder, Taylor Johnson, and Cecelia Crisman all made key defensive and blocking contributions, proving Fremont’s depth was essential to its success.
Flat Rock advanced to the state finals after the win and was paced by Giroux’s 30 kills.
A Legacy Bigger Than a Scoreboard
Fremont’s coaching staff understood what this season meant — not only for the record books, but for the players who poured everything into it. Under fourth-year head coach Chris Bruggema, the Packers have steadily climbed the competitive ladder, and this season represented the breakthrough they’d been building toward.
The team’s six seniors — Evans, Crisman, Johnson, Snyder, VandenBerg, and Barnhart — leave behind a legacy marked by leadership, resilience, and a bond that strengthened the entire roster. Many may move on to other sports or pursuits, but for those whose athletic journeys end here, this run becomes a defining memory of their high school years.
A Community That Rallied Behind Them
As the postseason progressed, Fremont transformed into a town united by volleyball. Students, teachers, alumni, and community members buzzed with excitement as the team advanced deeper into state play. Even rivals respected and followed Fremont’s achievements. The support was felt everywhere — in school hallways, in classrooms, and online as fans streamed every match.
This outpouring of encouragement fueled the players, who embraced their role as representatives of their school and community.
Season Summary: A Record-Setting Journey
Fremont closed the year with a 38–14 record, sharing a conference title and sweeping through a tough postseason bracket:
- District Champions over Grant
- Regional Champions after stunning Fruitport
- Quarterfinal Winners in a five-set thriller over Ogemaw Heights
- State Semifinalists for the first time in program history
Their semifinal scores vs. Flat Rock:
Flat Rock 25, 26, 23, 25
Fremont 20, 24, 25, 22
A Season to Remember
The Packers didn’t just win matches — they reshaped the expectations of what Fremont volleyball can achieve. Their chemistry, determination, and pure competitive fire carried them through nail-biting finishes and into the state’s final four.
Through every challenge, they stayed together. That unity became their superpower — the driving force behind a fall season that will be celebrated for years to come.
Fremont made history. And although the final match didn’t fall their way, the story of their 2025 season will endure as one of the greatest chapters the program has ever written.
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