Kellogg Community College volleyball player Makenzee Grimm had to adjust to a new environment after winning multiple state championship titles in high school ball. Grimm attended St. Philip Catholic Central High School where she played for the varsity volleyball team all four years of her high school career.
As a young freshman, Grimm led her team to winning a Division 4 MHSAA Volleyball State Championship title. This would be one of the two state titles she received in her time at St. Philip. After graduating, Grimm decided to continue her volleyball career in her hometown at KCC.
Grimm joined the KCC volleyball team on the first day of their official season. She did not attend any of the summer events, which put her at a disadvantage. Luckily for her, the team welcomed her with open and inviting arms. Originally, she wanted to attend Michigan State University, but knew deep down that it wasn’t her calling.
KCC volleyball exposed Grimm to new competition, new teammates and new experiences.
“For me the biggest difference I noticed wasn’t necessarily that it was a harder level of competition, but a more focused and goal driven group of athletes,” Grimm said.
Playing in college means playing with a group of people who share the same love and passion for volleyball.
Although Grimm won multiple state championships in high school, she still had plenty of learning to do when it came to the next level. She has learned the importance of health and nutrition.
“In high school, I was a three-sport athlete, so I was constantly switching my focus depending on the season,” she said. “Now it is year-round volleyball. From the way I fuel my body with food, to the workouts I am doing, it is all with the intention of becoming a better volleyball player.”
In Grimm’s first season at KCC, the team went 23-10 on the season, finishing with a .697 winning percentage. Head KCC Volleyball Coach Judy Mason is ecstatic about their record.
“We held the best record since 2010 and also advanced to the regional semifinal,” Mason said.
Mason hopes to continue growing the program and improve the record in seasons to come. Grimm would tell you that their key to success is trust.
“KCC is an environment where we trust each other,” she said.
This summer, KCC will host nine different volleyball camps for community members ages 8-18 in order to grow their skills and get them ready for their next step. There are camps specifically for passing, setting and hitting and they will also host a prep camp for incoming high schoolers. These camps will be run by Grimm and her teammates along with the staff and coaches.
Grimm will play in the 2025-26 volleyball season at KCC and she “couldn’t be happier with that decision,” she said.
