If you stick around through the end of some Goshen women's volleyball matches, you'll surely notice a common thread among them all. After the final point is played, whether it goes the way of the Maple Leafs or not, Goshen sophomore setter Kelsie Hankins will recognize her teammates briefly and then turn to go toward the head official and give them a handshake before joining the team in line to recognize the opposing team. For Hankins, it is a habit that goes back to her sophomore year in high school, and it provides a small glimpse into the character of the Avon, Indiana native.

The Start of a Tradition

Growing up, Hankins wanted to be just like her older cousin Alayna. She was the only girl in the family, so she looked up to her. Since Alayna played volleyball, Hankins wanted to try the sport. She started in sixth grade, only expecting to try it out. However, she made the club team and has played ever since.

When she was a sophomore in high school, Hankins' club team made it to nationals in Las Vegas. One referee she had seen at other tournaments was there. "He was really nice—he always joked with the players," said Hankins. “And I don't remember why I did it, but I just ran up and gave him a fist bump after a game once, thinking it would be the last time I'd see him since it was nationals."

However, the next day, he officiated a couple more of their matches. And Hankins kept giving him fist bumps after each match. By then, it was a habit that she continued every match, regardless of who the official was. She mentioned how it helps her get to know the officials, and a couple have also helped her get certified as a referee. Most importantly, however, Hankins has recognized the diminishing value of sportsmanship on the court, on the sidelines, and in the stands. Her simple action at the end of a match allows her to control what she can control.

"There's no way to prevent other people from saying and doing things they shouldn't, so I do it because it's an easy way to show appreciation for the officials' time and their effort and willingness to come ref for us," she shared. "Being sportsmanlike is the right and biblical thing to do."

Goshen head coach Jeff Phillips and assistant coach Brianna Foster noticed the handshake when they watched Hankins play club volleyball. "We noticed how she handled her overall attitude," Phillips said. "We watched her win and lose in club volleyball, and every time, she would go up to the officials and shake hands. It is a good reminder for her to maintain her perspective and keep her priorities in line."

Guided by Faith

Hankins is guided by her faith in every aspect of her life. As a freshman, she joined Goshen College's Campus Ministries to connect more spiritually. Now, she is a part of the team that executes events and chapels. Zion Neat, another member of Campus Ministries and a player on the women's basketball team, encouraged Hankins to apply the next time Campus Ministries was hiring. The two are now in a Bible study group together. Hankins is also in a Bible study led by Andrew Hartzler, a professor of accounting at Goshen College.

"I am so impressed by Kelsie's unwavering commitment to her faith," Hartzler said. "She is uncommonly grounded and mature for someone her age, and what I admire about her is the way she supports and lifts others with her faith." He appreciated her regular attendance and contributions to the Bible study and how she has started other groups where she mentors and supports her teammates. "She is incredibly hardworking and endlessly resilient in the face of adversity," he said. "She has been a joy to get to know and I'm thankful to have had the privilege of knowing her during her time here at GC."

Hankins has been named Honorable Mention All-Crossroads League in both seasons as a Maple Leaf. Halfway through her career, she is sitting at 1,733 assists, 477 digs, 45 aces and 95 kills through 65 matches. This year, she was ranked fifth in the Crossroads League with 7.50 assists per set. And while her play on the court has stayed consistent, her mindset shifted from year one to year two.

"At first, it was just volleyball, volleyball, volleyball," she said, "but this year, I focused more on being a good testimony for God and glorifying him through my play instead of glorifying myself.” Hankins emphasized that playing to glorify God transcends your play on the court. "That was a big game changer for me because as long as your heart is in the right place and you're doing it for God, that's all that really matters. Whether you play or you don't, you're blessed to be on the team and to have the privilege to play for a collegiate team." She has also valued building her friendships with teammates over the second year, noting that she has bonded with girls on the team over the same interests, values and religion.

"Kelsie knows that she can be a competitive player while also realizing that her value doesn't come from volleyball," said Phillips. "She has continued to grow and become more involved in campus activities. She is a great student and an excellent representative of the volleyball program."

A Well-Rounded Student

In addition to Campus Ministries, Hankins is the treasurer and secretary for the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Student Union (APIDA). As a psychology major and Spanish minor, she is interested in neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, positive psychology and behaviorism. Just as the psychology major allows her to work with people, she chose a Spanish minor to become bilingual and connect with many others.

Hankins' commitment to sportsmanship, faith and academics sets her apart. Every handshake with an official and every assist on the court reflects her deep-rooted values, and she will surely leave a lasting legacy at Goshen College. That's something we can shake on.