NEK volleyball
About
NEK Nighthawk Volleyball
NEK Nighthawk Volleyball is proud to be entering its sixth season of providing competitive homeschool volleyball opportunities for girls in grades 6–12. Our season runs from late July through mid-October, with teams typically competing in 15–20 match days, including 3–8 tournaments throughout the season, depending on the team.
Our mission extends far beyond wins and losses. We are committed to developing athletes who compete with excellence, lead with integrity, and honor Christ in the way they play, practice, and serve others.
Through intentional coaching, strength and skill development, team devotions, and a Christ-centered culture, we strive to help each athlete grow in confidence, character, leadership, and sportsmanship. We believe athletics provide an incredible opportunity to develop not only stronger volleyball players, but young women who are prepared to make a positive impact both on and off the court.
Whether your daughter is new to volleyball or an experienced player looking to compete at a higher level, NEK Nighthawk Volleyball is a place where athletes are challenged, encouraged, and supported as they grow in their skills, their faith, and their relationships with teammates.
Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.
Colossians 3:23
Season at a Glance
Our volleyball season runs from late July through mid-October, with each team level offering competitive opportunities appropriate to the athletes’ age and experience.
Junior High (Grades 6–8)
Weekly practices
Participation in the local parochial league (approximately 7 league matches)
Approximately 5–6 additional non-league matches
1–2 tournaments
Junior Varsity
Weekly practices
Approximately 8–10 matches
4–5 tournaments
Varsity
Weekly practices
Approximately 8–10 matches
6–7 tournaments
Our Coaches
Valerie Tolin
head HS Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach
Valerie grew up playing volleyball and has over six years of experience coaching recreational teams. For the past several seasons, she has also served as both an assistant high school coach and junior high coach. Valerie is passionate about the sport and brings a competitive spirit to the court, but her greatest joy is investing in her players—encouraging them through challenges and celebrating their successes.
Her desire is to help athletes grow not only in their skills but also in their faith, continually reminding them of their identity in Christ and encouraging them to compete for God’s glory. Valerie and her husband, Darren, live in Tecumseh and have three children whom they have homeschooled for more than five years.
Eryka Osborne
Head JH Girls Volleyball coach
Eryka’s love for volleyball began while playing throughout junior high and high school. As the second youngest of seven siblings, she spent years learning from and cheering on her older brothers and sisters, helping shape her competitive spirit and passion for the game.
In addition to her love for volleyball, Eryka has spent many years serving in her church’s youth ministry, where she developed a passion for mentoring and encouraging young girls. As a coach, she is committed to helping athletes grow in their skills, confidence, character, and faith in Christ.
Eryka and her husband, Max, have enjoyed playing co-ed volleyball together for many years and share a love for the sport and the community it creates.
Ryan Lawson
HS Girls Varsity Assistant Coach
Katie Post
HS Girls JV Coach
Alyee Birtell
JH Girls Assistant Coach
Skyler Tolin
JH Girls Assistant Coach