Ellie Dokter | Volleyball Senior | September 26, 2025
·7 min
The episode features an interview with Ellie Dokter, a senior volleyball player at Dordt University, as part of the Defender Discussions series. Ellie begins by reflecting on how quickly her four years have passed, attributing it to a busy schedule. She shares that her older brother Caleb attended Dordt but initially had no interest in following him, wanting to leave the area after attending Western high school. A campus visit changed her mind, where she met volleyball coaches like Chad and Allie Timmermans and felt drawn to the community and faith growth opportunities. Ellie recounts being recruited by Coach Hansen before a coaching change occurred, leading to uncertainty until new coach Jackie reached out to reassure her. She is studying business entrepreneurship, a general business degree with a creative focus on starting her own business, though she lacks a specific idea yet. Ellie mentions Professor Dale Zavenberg as influential, particularly enjoying his small business and entrepreneurship class with guest speakers. She avoids math-heavy areas like accounting, preferring marketing. On volleyball, Ellie notes the team's 12-4 start is due to improved team culture and skill work in the offseason. She acknowledges some lineup changes and question marks but feels the team is finding its groove. Ellie has played multiple positions, adapting from right side to outside, a flexibility she learned in high school. She started volleyball in fourth or fifth grade, drawn to sports for friendship. Ellie will graduate early by taking online classes in high school and maintaining a 16-credit schedule. Post-graduation, she is open to various directions but ultimately wants to open a business. The host thanks her for insights into the volleyball program and wishes her success in the conference season.
