Coached by former Michigan State head coach Cathy George, Grand Rapids Rise was founded in December 2022 as the first Pro Volleyball Federation franchise and Grand Rapids' first major-league women's sports team. It will make its debut at Van Andel Arena in January 2024.
As for the signing of a MSU alum, Garvelink-Jensen grew up in Holland, Mich., and played at Michigan State University from 2014-17. The 6-foot-4 blocker was a two-time AVCA Second-Team All-American as a Spartan in addition to being a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection. During her senior season in 2017, Garvelink-Jensen ranked fourth in the Big Ten and 25th nationally with 1.35 blocks per set while also placing 36th in the NCAA and sixth in the conference with a hitting percentage of 0.374.
“Alyssa is a dominating middle, who is quick, athletic, and a very good read blocker. She has the ability to score both with her blocking and attacking,” George said. “She is very intense, competitive, and can take over matches. Alyssa was also a player who improved quickly in college and will continue to improve through this opportunity. She always finds a way to win.”
As a junior, Garvelink-Jensen ranked second in the Big Ten with 1.40 blocks per set, which was good for seventh all time in a single season at MSU. She also recorded 145 block assists and 160 total blocks, which ranked fifth and sixth, respectively, in the MSU single-season record book. Throughout her four years as a Spartan, Garvelink-Jensen captured 1,002 kills, 521 blocks and 1,298 points. Before moving to the collegiate ranks, the Holland Christian High School alum was named a Michigan Miss Volleyball Finalist.
“Having the opportunity to play professional volleyball in the U.S., and even better, in my home state, is a dream come true. The Pro Volleyball Federation and the Grand Rapids Rise made it possible for me to pursue my passion while also remaining close to family,” Garvelink-Jensen said. “Grand Rapids is full of great sports teams, but this league is the missing piece of the puzzle.”
Led by longtime Michigan State and Western Michigan head coach Cathy George, the Rise’s 14-player roster will play 24 games (12 home, 12 away) during their inaugural season. The team is operated by DP Fox Sports & Entertainment and owned by Dan DeVos, who is also co-owner and CEO of the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.
As for the signing of a MSU alum, Garvelink-Jensen grew up in Holland, Mich., and played at Michigan State University from 2014-17. The 6-foot-4 blocker was a two-time AVCA Second-Team All-American as a Spartan in addition to being a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection. During her senior season in 2017, Garvelink-Jensen ranked fourth in the Big Ten and 25th nationally with 1.35 blocks per set while also placing 36th in the NCAA and sixth in the conference with a hitting percentage of 0.374.
“Alyssa is a dominating middle, who is quick, athletic, and a very good read blocker. She has the ability to score both with her blocking and attacking,” George said. “She is very intense, competitive, and can take over matches. Alyssa was also a player who improved quickly in college and will continue to improve through this opportunity. She always finds a way to win.”
As a junior, Garvelink-Jensen ranked second in the Big Ten with 1.40 blocks per set, which was good for seventh all time in a single season at MSU. She also recorded 145 block assists and 160 total blocks, which ranked fifth and sixth, respectively, in the MSU single-season record book. Throughout her four years as a Spartan, Garvelink-Jensen captured 1,002 kills, 521 blocks and 1,298 points. Before moving to the collegiate ranks, the Holland Christian High School alum was named a Michigan Miss Volleyball Finalist.
“Having the opportunity to play professional volleyball in the U.S., and even better, in my home state, is a dream come true. The Pro Volleyball Federation and the Grand Rapids Rise made it possible for me to pursue my passion while also remaining close to family,” Garvelink-Jensen said. “Grand Rapids is full of great sports teams, but this league is the missing piece of the puzzle.”
Led by longtime Michigan State and Western Michigan head coach Cathy George, the Rise’s 14-player roster will play 24 games (12 home, 12 away) during their inaugural season. The team is operated by DP Fox Sports & Entertainment and owned by Dan DeVos, who is also co-owner and CEO of the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.
