April 1, 2025
Success on the court, in the classroom, and beyond: Ferris State volleyball looks forward to community support on One Day for Dawgs
The Ferris State University women’s volleyball team enjoyed historic success in its 2024 season and looks to continue building a championship tradition through its fundraising efforts during One Day for Dawgs on April 9.
The Bulldogs achieved an undefeated regular season and claimed the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title. Their success continued well into the postseason, winning the GLIAC tournament championship and the NCAA Midwest Region championship.
While they enjoy their victories and regional success, the Bulldogs continue to work harder each year pushing for the ultimate prize.
“We knew from day one stepping foot on campus who we wanted to be and what we wanted to accomplish,” said Tatum Outlaw, a senior outside hitter on the Bulldog volleyball team.
“Championships are part of our tradition here at Ferris State. Seeing what the other teams are doing inspires us to be better and we are going to work hard to bring a volleyball national championship to Big Rapids,” she said.
A key piece of the volleyball team’s unprecedented success over the career of coach Tia Brandel-Wilhem is a combination of community support and immense work ethic. The Bulldogs have reached the NCAA Regional championship four years in a row and will look to go even further again next year.
Outlaw, a Springfield, Illinois native who is returning next fall for her final season of eligibility, said the community support for the team makes a big difference.
“It’s just awesome knowing that we are supported, and that the team has this incredible community of alumni, donors, and fans behind us,” said Outlaw, a Master Business Administration major. “There are fans who travel to all of our games, we sell out when we play at home, and people donate to causes like our giving day team to help us continue to succeed.”
The volleyball team raised nearly $8,000 from donors last year to help support a team trip to Spain in the offseason. The experience featured exhibition matches against several European universities, some future Olympic team members, and cultural exploration to engage athletes in team bonding.
The team is pushing its One Day for Dawgs goal to $10,000 following their regional championship season. It hopes to raise funds for replacing or upgrading travel gear and equipment. Outlaw said the donor support makes a huge difference each year in helping the program and the athletes.
“There’s definitely an element of looking our best and playing our best that goes hand-in-hand, especially when we travel to away games,” she said.
“Our gear is critical to performing on the court and we play close to 40 games, not counting exhibitions and practices. Donors can continue to make a huge difference for our championship push!”
Outlaw and the rest of the Bulldogs are eager to see the community support during One Day for Dawgs on April 9 and hope to carry even more momentum into the next academic year. She has nothing but positive feelings about all the support from alumni, friends of the university, and sports fans across the country.
“It’s great for everyone on campus. From spring sports getting a fundraising boost mid-season to everyone else getting ready for next year, we know Bulldog Nation has our back,” Outlaw said.
For more information on participating teams, campus causes, and activities, visit ferris.edu/oneday.