Bark River-Harris senior Hope Varoni (middle) poses for a photo with coaches and family members after signing her letter of intent to play volleyball at Bay College on April 11, 2025 at Bark River-Harris High School. (“The Big Dog” Mitch Vosburg/Daily Press)

HARRIS –A pipeline from Bark River-Harris High School to Bay College continues to pump out student athletes.

BR-H volleyball standout Hope Varoni is the latest Bronco to stay close to home and continue her athletic career. Varoni inked her letter of intent to play volleyball at Bay College on Friday.

“It’s really exciting,” Varoni said. “I love volleyball. The next few years are going to be fun.”

Varoni, BR-H’s co-valedictorian, is the latest of a string of female athletes to continue her career at Bay. She joins Marissa Ives, who signed with Bay’s womens’ basketball in March, as members of the 2025 class to make the move to Bay.

Lauren Zawada and McKenzie Hoffmeyer, both teammates with Varoni in basketball and track and field and 2024 graduates, completed their first season with the Norse basketball team. Nina Bower, a 2024 BR-H graduate, also completed her season with Bay’s volleyball team and is currently part of the softball team.

“(Fans) can expect some excitement and some good games,” Varoni said. “I’m excited to play with Nina again. It’s going to be fun.”

When it comes to Varoni, Bay coach Dan Porath liked not only the volleyball player, but the entire person.

“I’ve known her for a while,” Porath said. I like her game, I like here family. She’s a good kid. You know she’s going to work hard, and that’s the kind of (human being) we want in our program.”

When she’s not on the hardwood Varoni will pursue studies and a career in nursing.

“My mom is a nurse and my sister is a nurse,” Varoni said. “It’s always what I wanted to do.”

Varoni’s signing didn’t fall on deaf ears. In fact, the entire volleyball program, friends and teammates from other sports were there and she put pen to paper.

“It means a lot,” Varoni said of the support. “It’s really nice of everyone to wear their Bay attire and show up for me, to support me. It means a lot.”