Our Mission
We believe that at the crossroads of sports and life, many profound opportunities exist for self-reflection and personal growth. Life is a unique journey of cyclical successes and failures; it is our reaction to adversity that reveals our true character. Without encouragement, people sometimes blindly accept the falsehood that they “can’t.” It’s easy to trust others when they pass judgement and say we aren't good enough, smart enough, or strong enough to succeed.
At Vitae, we believe in the power of "can" and empower individuals to be resilient in pursuit of their dreams. Our mission is to establish a community of competitive athletes that hold themselves accountable, influence peers through positivity & celebrate the success of others. This community-based approach facilitates the creation of good habits and healthy relationships that extend far beyond one’s athletic career.
Our Story
Vitae Volleyball was founded by Doc Vander Meer and his wife, Tiffany, with the help and support of their sister, Megan Vander Meer. As West Michigan natives, we aspire to truly grow the game in the same community in which we learned to play. We love volleyball and want to share our knowledge and personal experiences with everyone!
All three founding coaches began their formal volleyball training at the club and high school level. At one point or another, all were told they “can’t" or “won’t” advance in this sport - either due to height or perceived lack of skill. Despite the naysayers and defying all odds, each founder earned scholarships to play in college and currently compete on professional platforms, both domestic and international.
We value hard work, goal setting & pursuing our passion no matter what. We even appreciate hardship because it teaches perseverance. Altogether, we have over 50 years of combined experience playing and learning from some of the best athletes and coaches worldwide. Our purpose is to prepare athletes for success, both on the court and in life.
Our Goals
Build community through mutual love of the game, encourage personal growth & inspire athletes to live with integrity while pursuing their dreams.