KIRKLAND – Northwest volleyball added Nooksack Valley High School standout Ellie Van Berkum for the 2022 season.
 
Van Berkum, a 5-6 libero/defensive specialist, was honorable mention All-Conference and the NVHS girls sportsmanship representative, helping the team to a sixth-place finish in State. She also has played at the club level with Apex Northwest and SIVA.
 
"Ellie is a selfless, team-first athlete that embodies every intangible we look for in our top recruits," said NU Head Coach Steven Bain. "On the court, Ellie's top qualities are her leadership, competitive fire, and ferocious defense. These traits are complemented by solid serve-receive fundamentals and her ability to read the game. We expect Ellie to compete for playing time as a back row defender, and we look forward to watching her use her gifts to make her teammates better, both on and off the court."
 
Also recruited by Multnomah, Arizona Christian, and Skagit Valley, Van Berkum said she picked NU because "I loved the emphasis of spiritual healthiness and keeping Jesus at the center of everything! The community was also very welcoming, and I felt right at home."
 
The daughter of Tom and Brooke Van Berkum of Lynden, Ellie attends First Reformed Church and volunteers with Family Career Community Leaders of America, Future Business Leaders of America, Environmentally Friendly Club, and NVHS Leadership.