April 22, 2025
Tatum Outlaw: A Leader On and Off the Court
Tatum Outlaw is a senior in the Public Relations program and is in the process of obtaining her Master’s of Business Administration as well. Outlaw is a valuable part of the Ferris State Varsity Volleyball Team as one of their outside hitters. But she is active in more than just volleyball, she is a student, leader, and a member of our community.
Tatum Outlaw
Outlaw’s volleyball journey began in the 6th grade. Her father, a big inspiration and support for Outlaw, pushed her to practice before tryouts. This helped her to follow through and make the team. Once she did, the rest was history and she never looked back.
When Outlaw was recruited to Ferris from her hometown of Springfield, Illinois, she knew this is where she wanted to be. What makes Ferris State special to Outlaw is the class and school sizes. You meet new people every day, so building a community is easy. Another factor for Outlaw was the head coach of the volleyball team Tia Brandel-Willhelm.
“I really connected with the coaches, I am just a really big people person…I want to be somewhere where I am 100% wanted. They showed interest in me athletic-wise, but they really liked me for me… [Tia Brandel-Willhelm] is very big on growing us as people above everything. She puts so much energy into the culture and making sure at the end of all this we are better women.”
Outlaw does more than just volleyball, she is a student. Outlaw expressed her gratitude for how being a college student alone is difficult but adding athletics is a whole new set of challenges. While it is challenging it is equally rewarding. These experiences make Outlaw the leader she wants to be. “When you lead your team in games and practices it translates to leading in the classrooms and workplace.”
Being a student-athlete, Outlaw notices the strong community that supports her as she enters every game whether it be classmates, professors, family members, or community members. To feel the unconditional support of the community when game after game is sold out is what fuels her motivation.
“Pressure is a privilege” Outlaw is proud to face these challenges, and she is not alone in this journey. Her teammates are like family to her, they understand each other's struggles and they stick together.
“All the struggles and challenges are so worth it. I would do it all over again.”
Being a student-athlete has prepared Outlaw for her career outside of volleyball. “Being a PR major, I don’t want to go out in the world and work. I want to go out into the world and lead and take charge.” She is able to get that exposure to lead beyond the court. Outlaw demonstrates her leadership by being the Vice President of Social Engagement of the Public Relations Student Society of America, a member of the Euchre Club, a Media Intern for the Athletic Department, and a student worker at the MUA Offices.
PRSSA Group Photo
Outlaw’s advice for student-athletes is to get involved. “Go to on and off-campus events, volunteer, make friends in your classes, just don’t be too big and cool for the experiences. Just try to go and say yes to as many things as possible.”
Ferris State Varsity Volleyball Team had an outstanding run this year. They were the 2024 GLIAC Season and Tournament Champions. Continuing their win streak, they went on to the NCAA II Women's Volleyball Championship. They became the Midwest Champions but lost in the quarterfinals. But this season was record-breaking, with a 34-1 game record streak for Ferris State.