Excerpted with permission from the December 4, 2024 Edition of the Petoskey News Review. Full article by Drew Kochanny is at the following link: https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/sports/high-school/2024/12/04/all-state-and-all-region-volleyball-honors-for-petoskey-area/76699721007/
HARBOR SPRINGS — In the 43 years since the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association first began all-state teams you’ll find over 9,000 athletes that have been honored.
You’ll find dozens from Charlevoix and Pellston recognized by MIVCA since 1981, a handful more from Harbor Light Christian and Inland Lakes.
But, over those 40-plus years, only one Harbor Springs athlete – setter Erin Long in 2003 – earned the honor.
Until now.
Long isn’t alone anymore.
Harbor Springs senior Gimiwanokwe (Gimi) Keller was named to the 2024 MIVCA Division 3 honorable mention all-state list after a standout season as a middle hitter with the Rams.
Keller is the lone area volleyball player across all divisions to be named all-state this season. She becomes just the second-ever volleyball player named all-state and the first in 21 years, since Long.
"Gimi was a great leader and a key player for our team this season," Harbor Springs coach Josephine Johnson said. "Her hard work and dedication to this team and the sport of volleyball was outstanding. She is so deserving of the recognition of being an honorable mention all state athlete."
Harbor enjoyed one of its best seasons in years on the court behind Keller, which included winning eight straight matches in October.
The 5-foot-11 Keller might have made her living at the net, but it was her all-around play that turned her into an all-state selection for the Rams.
Keller closed the season with 250 kills, to go with 63 blocks. She also added 24 aces and 160 digs, along with 21 assists. She also served at over 90 percent for the season and was one of three Rams to play all 90 sets for the year.