January 2023
The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) named Indiana Wesleyan’s Eva Joldersma as the recipient of this year’s Freshman of the Year Award.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all,” Joldersma said.
The nation’s top honor for a freshman was the crowning achievement for Joldersma, who was also named Crossroads League Freshman of the Year, Midcentral Region Freshman of the Year, and NAIA Second Team All-American. She led the Crossroads League conference in total kills (555) and kills per set (4.63).
Joldersma’s performance helped lead to a second-place finish in for the Wildcats in the Crossroads League and an NAIA National Tournament appearance.
“Honestly, the team played a huge part in that. I wouldn’t have gotten all of this without them,” Joldersma said.
Wildcats’ Head Volleyball Coach Candace Moats echoes the same sentiment. Joldersma is the first player in her two decades at IWU to win the award.
“[Eva] is so selfless and always worrying about her teammates,” said Moats, “I am so fortunate and grateful to the Lord that He brought her here.”
Her teammates add that Joldersma’s humble and kind personality translates when she’s not dominating her opponents.
“She’s the same person on the court and off the court. Very encouraging, very bubbly, and just positive,” said teammate Victoria Johnson.
When that personality combines with her athletic ability, it becomes a tough matchup for opponents—and Joldersma has only just begun.
“She can definitely become a record-holder—a literal animal. She’s already been so good at the NAIA level, so it’s only up from here,” said Johnson.
Even with all the awards she took home this season, Joldersma has bigger goals in mind for the future after an opening round exit in the national tournament last fall.
“Definitely try and get to Nationals again. Hopefully every year, that would be great. Just keep playing hard and try my best to lead to team success,” Joldersma said.
Joldersma and the Wildcats finished the season 24-8 and look to build on their success next fall.