HIGH SCHOOL: Graduated in 2024 from Hudsonville (Mich.) High School, where she won four varsity letters for head coach Stephanie Chenlo… Helped her prep team post a combined 141-16-1 record over her final three seasons, including a 42-1 mark against league competition, highlighted by a trio of Ottawa-Kent Red conference championships… Was also a member of three Eagles squads that qualified for the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division I state championships, including a Final Four appearance during her sophomore campaign in 2021… Garnered second-team AVCA All-America accolades following her senior season after leading Hudsonville High to a 45-3 overall record, as the Eagles finished with a No. 1 state and No. 19 national ranking, according to MaxPreps… Also earned all-state, all-region and all-conference honors after racking up 635 digs (5.3/set) during the 2023 campaign… Collected 1,890 digs (4.00/set) and 194 service aces (0.40/set) during her career, according to MaxPreps… Excelled in the classroom as well, meriting academic all-state recognition and National Honor Society membership… Also drew interest from Marquette, Rice, Navy, Miami (FL) and Duke during the recruiting process.
PERSONAL: Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan… Daughter of Steve and Danielle Bender… Her father played basketball at the University of Toledo, while her older sister Carlina competed in volleyball at Eastern Michigan… Has one other sister, Milana… Enjoys snowboarding, aquatic sports and beach volleyball… Lists Victoria Browne as her favorite athlete… Plans to major in business management at San Diego State.