Lyndonville, VT - Kerisa Van Olst (Salisbury Center, NY), a transfer from Herkimer College in Herkimer, NY, and a 2023 graduate of Dolgeville High School in Dolgeville, NY, has deposited and committed to the Vermont State University Lyndon women's basketball program for the 2025-26 season.  She will study Exercise Science.

Van Olst, a 5'6" guard, led Herkimer to the National Junionr College Athletic Association Region III Division III Championship Game in 2024-25, after helping lead the Generals to the regional quarterfinals as a freshman the pervious season.  As a sophomore she averaged 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game and was named to the Mountain Valley Conference All-Conference 3rd Team and the Region III All-Tournament Team.

Van Olst came to Herkimer following a stellar high school career at Dolgeville, where she scored 1,107 points in four seasons.  As a senior, she averaged 18.2 points per game and was a 13th Team New York State Sportswriters Association Class C All-State selection, as well as the Center State Conference Division I Co-Player of the Year and a 1st Team All-Central New York selection.  She was a two-time CSC 1st Team All-conference selection as well.

Van Olst also played soccer at Herkimer and at Dolgeville.  Primarily a goalie, she appeared in six games over two seasons with the Generals.  She posted a 1.36 goals against average and a .545 save percentage.  Van Olst may also play soccer at Lyndon.

VTSU Lyndon assistant coach Saleena Porter recruited Van Olst and believes that she will make an immediate impact with the Hornets.  "We are very excited to have Kerisa join us for the upcoming season.  She is a skilled guard that can score the ball, see the floor, and act as a leader on the court.  Transferring from a two-year college she will be ready to match physicality and play speed.  Kerisa will be a great example on and off the court and we can't wait to have her join us!"

Herkimer head coach Matt Hazzard believes that Van Olst will transition well to the Hornets.  "Kerisa had a great career at Herkimer, providing leadership, toughness and a high basketball IQ.  We are extremely proud of her development and earning the opportunity to continue playing.  Vermont State is getting a gritty player that will provide leadership on and off the court."

Lewis joins Keira Quintal (Sheffield, VT), Za'Khia Germany (Tulsa, OK), Haylee Walker (Sierra Blanca, TX), Chloe Murphy (Manchester, NH), Kaitlyn Frydenlund (Thornton, CO), and Jada Lewis (Montpelier, VT) in VTSU Lyndon's 2025-26 class.  The Hornets expect to announce additional commits in the near future.