Feb. 29, 2024
Ferris State’s Championship Volleyball Team Raising Funds Ahead of Traveling to Spain and Portugal for Competitive and Educational International Trip
The Ferris State University women’s volleyball team is headed to Spain and Portugal to test their skills on the court against international competition while learning about new cultures.
The 10-day trip starts on May 5 is expected to strengthen bonds on the team, which reached the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen each of the past three years.
Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank said the goal is to provide student-athletes with educational opportunities in addition to a chance to build on volleyball skills.
“We are educators first and foremost,” he said. “The volleyball players are athletes, but everyone here recognizes they are students, and we play an important role in their education. Students going on this trip are spending time learning about history and culture in addition to facing competition. This will be an incredible experience.”
The team is raising money to help cover the cost of airfare, accommodations, meals, and in-country travel expenses. Additionally, all Gamechanger supporters contributing more than $1,000 will also receive personalized updates directly from the Bulldogs throughout the trip.
The Ferris State Volleyball Team huddles up prior to its season opening match against
Thomas More on Friday, Sept. 1. This was the first officially volleyball match in
the new Bulldog Arena.
“The chance to spend 10 days in another country with our team is fantastic in terms of the team building that will come out of it,” Ferris State head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm said. “The opportunity to play other teams and face another style of play will be a challenge, but the personal growth and leadership that will come out of it is exciting.”
The student-athletes have been working all semester with faculty members to learn more about the countries, their culture, and their languages.
“This trip will give us the chance to face a higher level of competition in Europe and going overseas will help us grow as a team going into the season,” junior outside hitter Hannah Tecumseh said. “I haven’t been outside of the United States, so getting to do it with the people I love so much, my teammates and coaches, is so special.”
The Bulldogs advanced to the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen this past fall for the third consecutive season. Ferris State also claimed the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Championship this past year along with the school’s 12th consecutive and 27th all-time NCAA Tournament appearance. The team finished the campaign with a 27-8 overall record this past season.
“Overall, we’re just really excited for the experience and the opportunity to experience new things,” junior outside hitter Tatum Outlaw said. “This is a once in a lifetime experience and we’re working hard to educate ourselves on the language and the culture before we go.”
Charitable donations to help support the Bulldogs’ trip can be made online through Ferris State’s fundraising platform here.
“I’m really excited to travel with the team, get to see new things and play volleyball in other countries,” Bulldog junior middle hitter Syann Fairfield said. “I’m excited for the food and spending so much time in Portugal and Spain while getting to experience cool things.”