Lily Van Hal and her Journey to University of Denver
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Volleyball has captured the hearts of thousands, with fans tuning in and young athletes dreaming of following in the footsteps of their collegiate idols. But behind the bright lights and big courts lies a journey of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Today, I have the privilege of showcasing Lily, a talented athlete who has committed to play at the collegiate level. Through this interview, we’ll get an inside look at her incredible journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and the advice she offers to the next generation of aspiring players.
Before we dive into the questions, let me share a bit about Lily Van Hal Lily Van Hal 5'8" | S Chester | 2026 State SD ‘s impressive journey. Lily is a junior at Chester High School in South Dakota and a standout player for Kairos Volleyball Club. At 5’8″, she has established herself as one of the top setters in the state. Her accolades speak volumes about her talent and dedication:
- 2x State Champion (2023, 2024)
- Other State Tournament Appearances: 2nd, 3rd, and 5th place
- 1000 Digs Honor
- 1000 and 2000 Assists Honor
- Broke School Record in Assists
- 1000 Kills Honor
- 13U AAU Nationals MVP and All-American
- 13U AAU National Champion
- 14U Kentucky Bluegrass Open Champion (First Open Tournament Championship in South Dakota)
- 16U AAU Nationals Open Division – 9th Place
Lily’s achievements highlight her work ethic, skill, and competitive spirit. It’s no surprise she’s considered one of the best setters in the state. Let’s dive into her journey and learn more about her path to success!
Q: When did you start playing volleyball, and when did you realize you wanted to play in college?
Lily’s Response:
“I started playing volleyball when I was six years old. At nine, I joined my first-ever club team, an 11U team, and that’s when I knew I wanted to play in college. Those early years made me fall in love with the sport. I was always playing—whether it was in my shop or convincing my parents to sign me up for camps.”
Q: Can you explain your process in your recruitment? When did you start? How did you start?
Lily’s Response:
“I started the recruiting process during my 14s year of club when I began receiving camp invites and questionnaires. I had attended college camps as early as 6th grade—not for recruitment but because I loved improving my skills. By 8th grade, I attended camps with the goal of getting recruited.
At first, I focused on universities in South Dakota, but as I got older, I explored options farther away. During my 15s year, I started emailing college coaches, and by my 16s year, I really focused on it. I made it a priority to email coaches before every tournament, sharing my schedule and highlight videos.
Sending emails is crucial—it’s hard for coaches to find your court otherwise. Don’t hesitate to attend camps either. They’re a great way for colleges to learn about you and for you to learn about their program and culture. Camps help you figure out if you can see yourself playing there.”
Q: Can you describe the moment you decided to commit to your college? What made that program stand out?
Lily’s Response:
“The University of Denver was my second official visit, and I had a strong feeling it might be the one. At their camp that summer, I instantly felt at home—the coaching staff and culture matched my style, and the players treated me like one of their own. Exploring the city, I felt safe and had a gut feeling Denver was the right fit.
During my visit, while watching the team practice, I could picture myself thriving in that environment. My mom, who had always hoped I’d stay close to home, even said Denver was perfect for me, which solidified my decision. A few days after returning home, I committed, knowing it was the right place for me.”
Q: What challenges did you face on your journey, and how did you overcome them?
Lily’s Response:
“I knew my height would be a disadvantage in competing at the highest level since I’m about three inches shorter than the average D1 setter. Instead of dwelling on it, I embraced the challenge. I worked twice as hard to jump higher and get stronger. Other teams doubted my ability because of my height, but I used that as motivation to prove them wrong.”
Q: How have you balanced academics, training, and personal life during your volleyball career so far?
Lily’s Response:
“Balancing everything has been tough, especially since I live 45 minutes away from my training facility. From a young age, I’ve learned to make sacrifices for what’s important. My teammates are my best friends, which makes balancing volleyball and personal life easier. However, there are many nights I stay up late doing homework or working on highlight videos. I often work on school assignments in my car or at the gym between practice and workouts.”
Q: Were there any coaches, teammates, or mentors who significantly influenced your growth as a player?
Lily’s Response:
“There are many people who have influenced me, but two stand out: Coach O’Hara, my high school coach, and Shelly Buddenhagen, my former coach and now mentor. These two have been there for me through laughter, tears, and everything in between. They’ve shown me that anything is possible and supported me every step of the way. Without them, I wouldn’t be the player or person I am today. They helped me fall in love with volleyball, and I am so grateful for their impact.”
Q: What role has mental preparation played in your success?
Lily’s Response:
“Mental preparation has always been a key focus for me. My competitive nature makes it easy to stay prepared. Whether it’s watching film on our upcoming opponent or getting a good night’s sleep, everything matters. Visualizing what I’m about to do helps me execute it on the court. Before games, you can often see me warming up by mentally visualizing my plays.”
Q: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from playing volleyball?
Lily’s Response:
“Make hard work your passion, both on the court and in the classroom. My dedication has helped me get to where I am today. I’ve also learned that you’re bigger than just yourself. Knowing I inspire younger players reminds me that life lessons are more important than any award.”
Q: What advice would you give younger players who aspire to play volleyball in college?
Lily’s Response:
“Work as hard as possible to achieve your goals and never look back. The toughest days lead to the most progress. Put yourself in uncomfortable positions to grow, and inspire others along the way. Doing this will help you become the person you want to be.”
When I asked Lily to pick players who helped her grow, each played a vital role in shaping her journey. Ella Pry and Jayda Kenyon were her rock during her 7th-grade Varsity year, always making her feel like she truly belonged, despite the age gap.
Lexi Bauman
Lexi Bauman
Lily shared that Lexi Bauman along with Addison Bates(Current MSUM Player), her co-captains in high school, introduced her to a different perspective on volleyball. They taught her that the game doesn’t always have to be serious—you can have fun while still competing and winning. Lexi’s leadership and positivity left a lasting impact on Lily, shaping her approach to the sport.
When Lily spoke about her teammate Julia, it was clear their bond is something truly special. Although they’ve only been teammates for a year, they’ve spent countless hours working together and pushing each other to improve. Lily described Julia as an incredible teammate who exemplifies how hard work pays off. “She’s one of the hardest-working people I know, and anyone would be lucky to share the court with her,” Lily said, a testament to Julia’s dedication and impact.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas
Highlights
Lily spoke with heartfelt admiration for her teammate Maddie Jo, reflecting on a bond forged through years of shared experiences. Having played together since the age of 9, their connection is both strong and unique. Through countless matches and moments, Lily shared that Maddie Jo was always her go-to when the team needed a point. “I’ve probably set her up over a million times in the past eight years,” Lily said, a testament to their unwavering trust and partnership on the court.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas
Highlights
As we close out this article, it’s clear that the journey to success in volleyball is not just about physical skills but also about the connections you make along the way. For players like Lily, the path to greatness is paved with hard work, resilience, and the support of teammates, coaches, and mentors. The people who help you grow and push you to be better are just as important as your individual drive. So, to all the players reading this—remember that success isn’t just about what you accomplish on the court, but also the relationships you build, the lessons you learn, and the legacy you leave behind. Embrace the challenges, lean on your teammates, and stay focused on your goals, knowing that each step brings you closer to becoming the best version of yourself.
Remember, we’re here to help make your journey smoother. Head over to PrepDig to set up your FREE profile and explore our College Database for valuable insights. Make sure you use digdakotas30 for a discount!
