Hall of Honor
Kirsten Nelson Maples’ journey to Houghton began thousands of miles away, but her impact on Highlander athletics remains deeply rooted in the history of the program.
Kirsten first discovered volleyball in the sixth grade, inspired by her older sister Natalie. From the beginning, she loved the intensity of the sport—the constant activity, the pressure of every rally, and the opportunity to reset and compete again with each point. That passion carried through high school, where she also competed in track and field, basketball, and even spent a season as a cheerleader.
Having grown up in Japan, Kirsten dreamed of experiencing life and academics in the United States. When it came time to choose a college, Houghton provided both a sense of family and purpose. With her sister Natalie and brother John Philip already attending, and with a strong reputation for academics and Christian faith, she trusted that God was directing her steps—even though she arrived for preseason without ever having seen campus in person.
At Houghton, Kirsten quickly became one of the premier athletes of her era. A standout on the volleyball court and also a member of the Highlander women’s basketball team, she brought competitiveness, versatility, and leadership to everything she did. On the volleyball court, she developed into one of the most dominant attackers in program history. Her name still appears prominently in the Houghton volleyball record book in multiple statistical categories, reflecting her impact as one of the program’s all-time leaders.
Her excellence was recognized across the conference as well. Kirsten was named the American Mideast Conference Player of the Year in both the 2002–03 and 2003–04 seasons, a testament to her ability to elevate both her own play and the success of her team.
Yet for Kirsten, the most meaningful memories were not simply the statistics or awards. She remembers the relationships—teammates lifting each other up during matches, trusting each other in the most intense moments, and building a culture that was loyal, dedicated, academically strong, and filled with joy. One unforgettable moment came during her sophomore season when the Highlanders rallied from a 14–9 deficit in the fifth set to win 16–14, a comeback that captured the determination and belief of that team.
She credits much of that experience to the leadership of Head Coach Nancy Cole, whose patience, encouragement, and evident faith shaped the program, and assistant coach Ryan Fairchild, whose energy and pre-match drills sharpened her competitive edge. Kirsten also humbly points to the partnership she shared with her setter, Sarah Dawes, recognizing that great individual performances were always the product of great teamwork.
Representing Houghton meant competing with excellence while reflecting the college’s deeper mission. Kirsten took pride in showing that student-athletes at a small Christian college could pursue excellence in athletics and academics while putting faith and character first.
The lessons she learned through athletics—humility, perseverance, emotional control, and commitment to team—have guided her throughout life. After graduating, Kirsten taught physical education at an international Christian school overseas for five years, coached volleyball for a decade, worked as a personal trainer, and later completed graduate studies in acupuncture.
Today she lives just south of Seattle, Washington, where she practices acupuncture part-time while homeschooling her two sons and raising her family. Though the years have passed, she remains connected to Houghton through friendships with former teammates and visits back to campus whenever she returns to the area.
For Kirsten, this honor is both surprising and deeply meaningful—a reminder of the friendships, faith, and formative experiences that shaped her time as a Highlander.
It is with great appreciation for her legacy as a multi-sport athlete, an outstanding volleyball player, and a person of character that we proudly induct Kirsten (Nelson) Maples into the Houghton University Athletics Hall of Honor.
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