Contact: Anna Fox, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, amfox@noctrl.edu
Nov. 1, 2024 - Senior middle blocker Amber Vande Hei of the North Central College women's volleyball team has seen great success on the court and in the classroom. While her time on the court is almost finished, her time in the classroom is just beginning.
Vande Hei is on a pre-med track, pursuing a biomedical science degree and a chemistry minor. The Green Bay native decided to attend North Central based on the academic and athletic opportunities the institution offered.
"When looking for a school to continue my academic and athletic journeys, North Central stood out to me as they have an astounding pre-med track and small class sizes that would allow me to maximize my undergraduate education. I also favored the school's location as it is close to downtown and a drivable distance from my hometown," said Vande Hei.
Vande Hei began playing volleyball in sixth grade as a way to make new friends, and it didn't take long for her to fall in love with the game. "Later the same year (in sixth grade), I started my club volleyball journey and continued to play both in school and at the national level throughout middle and high school. Volleyball was not just a sport but rather an outlet for me to grow physically and mentally, instilling values that extended beyond the game," said Vande Hei.
When asked about the most important lesson she has learned in volleyball and used in all aspects of her life, Vande Hei said discipline.
"The countless hours spent in the gym instilled a sense of commitment and a strong work ethic. This discipline is integrated into my everyday life, influencing my academics and professional endeavors," said Vande Hei.
After graduation, Vande Hei will pursue a master's degree in integrative physiology. Her ultimate goal is to attend medical school and become a surgeon, but she has not yet decided what specialty.
"While I don't know what specialty I want to pursue, I do find neurology fascinating. During one of my shadowing opportunities, I had the incredible opportunity to witness an open brain surgery, which deepened my appreciation for the field of neurology," Vande Hei said.
Her interest in science started at a young age and has continued to grow throughout her life. "From a young age, I have had a passion for science, and as my education continued, I looked for ways to expand my knowledge," said Vande Hei. "I began working in healthcare, taking every opportunity to learn by shadowing physicians. Witnessing the impact they have on their patients, combined with my personal experiences working in healthcare, ignited my desire to pursue a career in medicine."
She credits her family and the support they've given her throughout all of her endeavors.
My family is, without a doubt, my greatest support system," Vande Hei said. "As a first-generation college student, their support and encouragement motivate me to push past adversity and strive for my academic and athletic goals. They come to as many matches as possible to cheer me on. I dedicate all my accomplishments to them as I would not have been able to do the things I have done without their unwavering support."
When she is not playing volleyball or doing homework, Vande Hei likes to spend time with her family and friends. The Vande Hei family likes to spend time at their lake house. There they spend a lot of time outdoors, especially hiking, fishing, and boating. While with her friends, she likes to experience new things and make lasting memories.
Vande Hei and her Cardinal teammates will play their last regular-season College of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) match Friday night (Nov. 1). North Central will meet Carroll University on the court in Van Male Fieldhouse in Waukesha, Wis.
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