North Michigan News

After four years with the Northern Michigan University Wildcats, senior Julia Bouma is set to conclude her collegiate volleyball career with the 2024 postseason. Bouma has achieved 278 career digs and has been recognized with GLIAC All-Academic Excellence Team Honors during her time at NMU.

Bouma cherishes many memories from her time on the team, particularly enjoying their trips and bus rides. She fondly recalls the NCAA Tournament in 2022, saying, "we stayed up all night watching movies, so that we could sleep the whole way home, on the sleeper bus."

Post-graduation, Bouma plans to return to Grand Rapids, Michigan. There she intends to work at a golf course over the summer while seeking a job in marketing. Reflecting on her journey as a player and individual, Bouma stated, "I'm proud of the person I have become throughout this whole thing. I feel like I really grew into my own person, and I have met so many great people here. I'm proud of who I am now, freshman year to senior year."

Bouma is one of five seniors graduating from the NMU Volleyball team after the 2024 season. As they approach graduation, these seniors aim to finish their last season strongly and savor every remaining practice and match.

The Wildcats are scheduled to compete against Parkside in the GLIAC Quarterfinals on Wednesday, November 20 at 6 p.m.