Kingsley Celebrates State Volleyball Title, Football Advances to Ford Field
On Nov. 23 Kingsley High School won its first state volleyball championship and the football team advanced to the Division 6 state semifinal at Ford Field. The twin successes raise the profile of Kingsley athletics and present practical decisions for the school district and community about travel, funding, and support for student athletes.
Kingsley High School capped a standout weekend on Nov. 23 when its varsity volleyball team captured the Division 3 state championship, the first state volleyball title in school history. The team reached the final after a hard fought five set semifinal victory over defending champion Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, and then defeated 2023 champion Kalamazoo Christian by a score of three to one in the title match. On the same day the Kingsley football team posted a 14 to 0 regional win over Kent City to advance to the Division 6 state semifinal at Ford Field on Friday, Nov. 28 against Jackson Lumen Christi. A victory at Ford Field would deliver Kingsley its third state football championship, joining title seasons in 2005 and 2023.
The back to back achievements will likely reverberate across Grand Traverse County, boosting community morale and drawing attention to the district s extracurricular programs. Local businesses can expect increased patronage from traveling fans and family members, and the district may see heightened demand for buses, chaperones, and financial support for out of town travel. With a state semifinal scheduled at a major venue, the logistics of student safety and transportation will be immediate priorities for school administrators and the board.
These athletic milestones also raise policy questions for local elected officials and school leaders. Decisions about how the district funds postseason travel, how booster fundraising is overseen, and how resources are allocated across sports programs are now more visible to the public. Equity considerations will be important as residents weigh support for signature programs against needs in academics and other student services. The district s budget and fundraising oversight processes will determine how costs are shared and how transparency is maintained.
For residents, the next key date is Nov. 28 at Ford Field when the football team will play for a chance at a third state title. Regardless of the outcome, Kingsley s performances this weekend have strengthened community engagement in school activities and spotlighted the role of athletics in local civic life.
