The County Press

North Branch’s Deshetsky to play at college level




North Branch’s Autumn Deshetsky signs her National Letter of Intent Wednesday morning with Grace College alongside her coach. Photo provided by North Branch Athletics

North Branch’s Autumn Deshetsky signs her National Letter of Intent Wednesday morning with Grace College alongside her coach. Photo provided by North Branch Athletics

NORTH BRANCH — The North Branch volleyball team on Wedndesday saw its fifth player this season commit to extending her career to the college level, as setter Autumn Deshetsky signed with Grace College in Indiana.

“I love the coach and the team chemistry, the campus is beautiful and it has the Christian atmosphere I was looking for,” Deshetsky said of Grace College.

Deshetsky also considered Spring Arbor University and Albion College as well, but ultimately decided on Grace College where she will major in pharmacology.

Deshetsky noted that she will have to work hard to earn her playing time, as there is a junior and senior setter ahead of her on the team roster.

During her time as a threeyear varsity player and twoyear starter, Deshetsky racked up 2,591 assists in career with 173 aces and served over 90% in her overall career. She also had 476 digs and 140 kills, 103 of which came during her senior season. During her time on varsity, she had a team record of 183-23 with three league titles, three district titles, three regional titles and a Class B state championship. Deshetsky also received First-Team All- League and All-Region honors for two years, an All-State honorable mention in 2017 and was selected to the All- State Second-Team this year. Deshetsky has also been a stand-out player on both the varsity basketball and softball teams.

“This year, Autumn commanded a presence on the floor,” said North Branch coach Jim Fish. “She would run the show and that is what we expect from our setters. Where Autumn stands out to me is the intangibles she brings to the position that only coaches really appreciate and understand.”

Fish added, “Autumn is a great role model for young women and leads by example. She understands the game and instinctively knows who to set, when to set them and how to set them. She has consistency. She does everything extremely well and is a rock on the court. Autumn’s demeanor is calm and cool, yet extremely aggressive with an intense desire to win. Autumn knew what kind of program she wanted to attend and focused in on Grace College early in the recruiting process. She wants to utilize her athletic ability to serve others and God.”

Despite all of her accomplishments with North Branch, Deshetsky’s new journey in her career will not come without challenges. Along with having to adapt to a new coaching style, Deshetsky will also have to learn to play with an entirely new group of girls rather than playing with the same teammates since third grade like at North Branch.

“I’m a little nervous about the distance, but I’m excited to be a part of the team, meet new people and see how God uses and changes me because of this experience. I would like to thank my parents for all sacrifices they have made the past 12 years to make my dream to play volleyball a reality,” Deshetsky added. “I would like to thank my coaches, Mr. and Mrs. Fish, Mr. June, Rachel Van Dyk, Larissa Van Dyk, Mrs. McNulty and Rachel Van Haverback for pushing me to be my best. Last, but not least, my teammates for being my second family. I will miss you all!”