From Cheer to the Court: Jasmine Bell Finds Her Place

August 17, 2026
The Nest, Inside Orchard View Athletics
Justin Troyer
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Muskegon, MI -- For sophomore Jasmine Bell, volleyball started with a simple decision: try something new.

Jasmine first stepped onto the volleyball court in 2025, looking for a challenge that would push her beyond the limits she felt she was reaching in cheerleading. Having friends already playing on the team made the transition a little easier, but it was Jasmine’s willingness to put in the work that has carried her forward.

Now, just one year later, she has earned a spot on the Orchard View Varsity Volleyball team.

Making the varsity squad was one of Jasmine’s goals entering this season, and head coach Alceia Miller noticed the effort she put in to reach it.

“Jasmine has put in a ton of work,” Miller said. “She’s scrappy on defense and has a tough serve.”

For Jasmine, one of her biggest strengths is her passing ability. At the same time, she feels her setting has come a long way since she first started playing.

That improvement reflects the approach she has taken since picking up the sport.

Jasmine isn’t afraid to put in the work, learn something new and continue developing her game.

And while there is plenty of work ahead, Jasmine has a pretty simple reason for why she enjoys volleyball.

"It’s fun."

She loves playing the game, being on the court with her teammates and competing. Now, she’s excited to get out there and show Cardinal fans what this group can do.

With tryouts now concluded, both the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams can shift their focus toward building chemistry and getting comfortable playing together. The Cardinals are looking to grow as a team, and the next few weeks will be an important part of that process as players learn each other’s strengths and develop their identity on the court.

That work will lead to the season opener on Friday August 21, when Orchard View hosts Grand Rapids Wellspring Prep.

For Jasmine, the beginning of the season is about more than simply getting on the court. It’s about being part of something bigger.

When asked what Cardinal Pride means to her, Jasmine had a clear answer: being there for your teammates, representing the school with class and good sportsmanship, and having the right attitude even when the team is facing adversity.

Miller said that standard begins with what it means to wear the Orchard View volleyball uniform.

“It's a privilege to put on an OV volleyball uniform,” she said, “and I expect my athletes to do so with respect for themselves, their teammates, the coaches, the school, the community and the program.”

That is the kind of environment Jasmine wants to be part of.

Jasmine may be new to varsity volleyball, but she’s already shown she’s willing to do the little things that help a team succeed—whether that’s chasing down a ball, fighting through a tough point or simply being there for her teammates. For Jasmine, it’s about bringing the same approach to the court that got her here
in the first place: work hard, keep improving and be a good teammate. 

Now she gets the chance to put that approach to work on the varsity court.

The Cardinals are still building, but with tryouts behind them and the season opener ahead, the pieces are beginning to come together.

And for Jasmine Bell, a player who only started volleyball a year ago, the opportunity to wear the Cardinal uniform is one she plans to make the most of.

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