If you ever wonder whether hard work really pays off, just ask volleyball player Harper Boesel who committed to playing the sport at Blue Mountain Christian University (BMCU) as she enters her freshman year of college this fall. Harper, a homeschool graduate, played volleyball for 12 years, most recently with the West TN Force Volleyball Club. Her signing with the BMCU volleyball team is another confirmation that being homeschooled does not limit an athlete’s collegiate aspirations.
“Homeschoolers aren’t handed as many opportunities as public schoolers and that just means you have to work that much harder to put yourself out there! There’s a scholarship for everyone,” said Harper who has been homeschooled since the first grade. “I’ve played basketball, flag football, and swim team. I just love how encouraging volleyball is!”
Tatum Holt coached Harper during the 2025/2026 season, which was Harper’s senior year. Although it was only for one year, Coach Holt saw tremendous growth in Harper’s skill and play as an outside hitter on the court. She was quick to note that Harper exhibited that determination also off the court.
“Throughout the season, Harper’s skills improved in both her confidence and consistency on the outside. Throughout the year, she developed a wider range of shot selections and became a go-to hitter for our team. Harper came to every practice, willing to learn and wanting to continue developing her skills. By the end of the season, Harper became an aggressive player willing to swing at every ball set to her. Harper is a hard worker always looking to improve her skills. On the court, she will contribute by being a go-to hitter with a strong, heavy arm on the outside,” said Coach Holt, who shared about Harper off the court. “Off the court, she is a phenomenal teammate! She is consistently supportive and always gives 100% to the team. She will push herself and others around her to get better every day. Her competitiveness and positivity will be a great asset to the BMCU program.”
During her senior year as a high school student of HomeLife Academy, Harper took dual enrollment courses at Jackson State Community College. Moving to a college setting from a homeschool one and being taught by professors was different for Harper but has prepared her for college. Harper shared some of the benefits she enjoyed about being homeschooled.
“I love how laid back it is, and you get your mom as your teacher, and I love my mom! I’m very involved in church and love volunteering for kids’ camps. My favorite subject is probably history,” said Harper, who shared an interesting story regarding her post high school plans. “Since I was 11, I actually always wanted to go to cosmetology school. The fall of my senior year, a couple of referees told me that I should try to go to college for volleyball because of my talent. I pivoted and now I’m still going to attend cosmetology school but after college.”
While at BMCU, Harper plans to pursue a degree in biblical studies and a minor in nutrition. As she prepares to hit the BMCU court playing as an outside hitter, she is looking forward to new coaches, new teammates, and a higher level of competition.
“I am so proud to see Harper following her heart and continue playing volleyball at the next level. I hope to see her skills and confidence continue to grow to make a lasting impact to the BMCU volleyball program,” said Coach Holt. “Harper is proof there are opportunities for homeschool athletes. The college coaches do not put stress on the school an athlete attends as long as you are making an effort to put yourself out there in other ways. Club volleyball, or other select-level sports, provide an opportunity to place yourself in competitive environments, gain exposure, and demonstrate you are willing to work with others.”
Coach Holt believes organized sports benefit students by creating discipline, time management, and accountability in all aspects of life.
“Each skill learned in sports can be carried far beyond the field/court. I hope Harper continues to grow in every opportunity presented to her. Harper has the personality to thrive in every environment she places herself in.” said Coach Holt. “Academically, I hope to see her succeed and find her passion for her future. I trust that Harper will thrive at BMCU and hope she enjoys every moment on campus. I cannot wait to see her grow and hear of everything she accomplishes!”
Harper is a homeschool student who fell in love with volleyball, is now playing that sport as a college athlete, while earning a college education. She shared motivational words with other homechool students who dream of playing at the collegiate level.
“Keep going! You are not always going to win. You’re not always going to have the best teammates, but it’s about how you can improve and get better! And eventually, you’ll get there if you keep putting in the work,” said Harper.
Follow Harper and her Blue Mountain Christian University Rams volleyball teammates as they play this season, which begins on Friday, August 21.
Harper’s West Tennessee Favorites
Favorite place to eat: My favorite places to eat are at Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery and The Grind Mac and Cheese Burger Bar. Our my favorite place used to be The Wall, but sadly it closed down.
Favorite place to go: My favorite place to go is the Tennessee River.
Favorite thing to do: My favorite thing to do is drive the windy backroads. I also like to do front porch sitting. I know its sound old, but when the weather is nice and the lighting bugs are out, it’s so pretty and peaceful.
