October 14th 2026 Akira Geeraedts Earns First Team All-Conference Honors Hamilton junior Akira Geeraedts has been voted to the Hoosier Plains Conference First Team for volleyball, earning a place in the school’s record books and recognition for her hard work, versatility, and leadership! Wearing No. 3 for the Lady Marines, Akira stepped up this season in whatever role her team needed. As Hamilton’s starting middle hitter, she moved outside for several games, pushing beyond her comfort zone and becoming a valuable utility player. Her willingness to learn and embrace new responsibilities made her an important part of the Marines’ lineup. Akira finished the season with 89 kills, a 39% kill percentage, 14 aces, and 61 digs. Those numbers reflect her contributions on the court, but her impact reaches well beyond the stat sheet. Akira consistently brings a positive attitude, lifts her teammates up during difficult moments, and steps in to help younger players develop. She has become a team leader through her encouragement, effort, and willingness to put the needs of the team first. She also continues to accept constructive criticism and apply it to her game, working each day to become a better player. With this honor, Akira joins Abbi Dager as the only two Hamilton Marines to earn volleyball First Team All-Conference recognition in the HPC since Hamilton joined the conference during the 2024–25 school year. Before joining the HPC, Hamilton competed in the Northeast Corner Conference. Akira’s accomplishment continues a proud tradition of first team honorees in Lady Marines volleyball. Hamilton’s NECC First Team All-Conference recipients, listed chronologically by their first selection, include: Suzy Swift (1982) Sloan Haughey (1986, 1987, 1988) Amy Boyer (1986) Kelly Dewire (1989) Rachel Siebenaler (1990) Dixie Dewire (1993, 1994) Andrea Leitzel (1995, 1996) Nicki Reas (1996) Andrea Dove (1999) Kearston Blomeke (2000) Carly Muzzy (2001) Haley Oberlin (2003) Alyse Dove (2004) Rockelle Reaper (2008) Emma Gaff (2014, 2015, 2016) Congratulations, Akira, on this well-earned recognition! Your willingness to step up, support your teammates, and keep improving represents what it means to be a Hamilton Marine. We are proud to celebrate your accomplishments and excited to see you continue to grow!