January 12, 2026
“A good time for community”: Ferris State celebrates football and volleyball success during Bulldog Spirit Day
Ferris State University students, alumni, faculty, and community members poured into the David L. Eisler Center for the 2026 “Bulldog Spirit Day,” on Monday, Jan. 12, to recognize the success of both the football and volleyball programs.
The football team was ranked No. 1 in the nation all season long and capped and capped the historical run with a perfect 16-0 record and earning their fourth NCAA Division II National Championship title in five years.
Women’s volleyball remained as a national contender while crowning themselves as NCAA Midwest Regional Champions for the second straight season and securing the 2025 GLIAC Regular Season Championship – closing the season 27-8 overall.
“It’s a good time for community today,” said Ferris State President Bill Pink during the celebration. “This semester and this year, we are focused on opportunities to come together (and) to build community.”
Those efforts were seen as Mecosta County Commissioner and longtime Bulldog Bill Routley presented a resolution to Ferris State Athletics - and hundreds of students, dozens of alumni, and campus administration were in attendance to celebrate the championships.
Big Rapids elementary school students also made a visit to the Ferris State main campus to join the Bulldog Spirit Day fun.
Freshman middle hitter Aaliyah Cage of the volleyball team not only saw her first collegiate reps this season but was also called on to help steer the Bulldogs to the regional championship victory over Indianapolis last month on Dec. 26. With the first season under her belt, she’s thankful for the support Ferris State provides to student-athletes and their programs to help them feel a sense of belonging.
“Today is important for the community because sports are known to bring everyone together, and when you’re starting college, it’s natural to feel isolated,” Cage said. “So, it’s important to know that you have a school that supports programs helping students to get involved. It’s also good to see that you (student-athletes) have a community that support what you do on and off the court.”
A large part of building a strong community within athletics boils down to having strong leaders. Head football coach Tony Annese and volleyball coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm expressed their gratitude to the administration for a consistent effort to support all Ferris State Athletics, while noting that their programs wouldn’t achieve their success without the support or the constant hard work of their athletes.
While it’s easy to show community support around the time that championships are won, Pink says building a community is an ongoing effort, and something he wants to be at the forefront of Ferris State Athletics fans.
“You have to be intentional about building relationships and community… If no one else is going to do it, Ferris State can. We’re building community, and we’re building champions. It’s just the way Bulldogs do it,” he said.
Those unable to attend Bulldog Spirit Day will have another opportunity to celebrate the recent championship success during a victory parade this spring. The time and date have yet to be determined.