Kirtland Community College Launches the Inaugural Women’s Volleyball Season

Kirtland Community College Launches the Inaugural Women’s Volleyball Season Under Head Coach Lynn Hause
By Kirtland Community College Communication and Marketing Department

GRAYLING, Mich. (August 25, 2026) — Kirtland Community College has officially ushered in a new era for Firebird Athletics with the launch of its women’s volleyball program. Under the leadership of head coach Lynn Hause, the Firebirds are taking the court for the first time in school history with a roster of 11 student-athletes ready to establish a new collegiate tradition.

The creation of the program started from scratch when Athletic Director Marty McDermott called Hause asking if she knew anyone interested in being head coach and building a program. Hause, who brings four decades of coaching experience across high school, collegiate, and elite USA Volleyball club teams, immediately seized the opportunity.

"I love to build programs," said Hause. "We started from ground zero, and it just blossomed. Everything we do this year—our wins, our losses, our stats—will be the first of its kind. We’re making history."

Building the Firebird volleyball foundation required a total team effort, ranging from installing custom-measured nets and padding featuring the Firebird logo, to acquiring team uniforms and establishing court specifications. Hause spent months traveling across Michigan during high school and club seasons to recruit the program’s foundation.

“The addition of Volleyball as a varsity sport adds an additional opportunity for our local high school athletes,” said McDermott. “It will provide an excitement to campus during our fall season that we were lacking. I can't wait for us to get started!"

The inaugural 11-player roster is composed entirely of freshmen, bringing an energetic and versatile group to the floor. The roster includes talent from across Northern Michigan—such as recruits from Gaylord, Petoskey, Mackinaw City, and a homeschooled athlete—as well as a core group of four players from the Flint area who previously played together on the same club team. The team boasts impressive height, including players standing at 6-foot, 5-foot-11, and 5-foot-10, alongside multi-sport athletes who will also compete for Kirtland’s women’s basketball team.

"This team is very well bonded; they’re already like sisters," said Hause. "They play better when they’re having fun, and watching them gain confidence step-by-step is what this first year is all about."

Facing a demanding 27-game schedule against established community college programs throughout the state, the Firebirds are embracing the challenge. To prepare, the program partnered with athletics staff to institute comprehensive strength, agility, and plyometric training, to help the squad adapt to the speed and power of collegiate play.

Kirtland’s schedule includes eight home matches, beginning with a special Military Appreciation Match for their home opener on August 30 beginning at 12 p.m. In addition to competition on the court, the program plans to host monthly community appreciation initiatives, including honoring local foster parents in September and hosting a "Pink Out" match in October, alongside an annual AAU 18U tournament hosted on campus every December.

With a clear three-year strategic vision for roster development and long-term competitiveness, Hause and the Firebirds are focused on taking the Michigan Community College Athletic Association by storm.

"Every time we play against bigger programs, it challenges us to be our best," said Hause. "We are growing into ourselves, and this program is only going to get bigger and better from here."

To follow Kirtland Community College Volleyball, view the season schedule, or learn more about Firebird Athletics, visit the official athletic department website, kirtlandfirebirds.com or contact the Kirtland Athletic Office.

About Kirtland Community College

Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, we believe Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call (989) 275-5000.