April 29, 2026
Ferris State honors softball and tennis players with early commencement ceremony before GLIAC, NCAA tournaments
Four student-athletes from the Ferris State University softball and women’s tennis teams were honored with an early commencement ceremony as they prepare to hit the road for their postseason tournaments.
Tennis players Ana Sofia Hernandez-Ferrer and Maria Fernanda Hernandez-Ferrer and Emma Gillard and Emily Killion of the softball program were each recognized by Ferris State President Bill Pink and Provost Bobby Fleischman during the special celebration on Apr. 29.
The four Bulldogs won’t be able to participate in the May 8-9 commencement ceremonies. However, they still had the chance to wear their caps and gowns while receiving their diplomas.
“On behalf of our institution, it’s so good for us to be able to have this time for graduates who cannot be here during the graduation ceremony. But they will be elsewhere representing our university in such a great way,” Pink said to the students. “It’s important to honor every student who finishes a degree here, and important for us to say, ‘thank you’ to each student that graduates.”
“It’s not meant to be easy (to finish a degree) … but our university’s degrees mean something, and it’s what we’re known for. So, for you to have completed it … while not only being successful on the field and on the court, you now are a successful Ferris State graduate, and that means something. Many start, fewer finish … and know that your university is proud of you today,” Pink added.
Fleischman echoed Pink’s words, while noting that Ferris State “appreciates what you do by representing us.”
Though it’s bittersweet they won’t be able to cross the stage with their classmates, all four student-athletes agreed that a moment to be celebrated by the university in such a unique way makes up for the moment.
The ceremony was even more special for the Hernandez-Ferrer twins, who grew up alongside one another and took the chance of leaving their home in Mexico to continue their tennis careers in Michigan.
“This feels really emotional since we started this tennis journey when we were so little, and now we get to graduate together. We feel really appreciated by the school that gave us the opportunity to have a ‘graduation’ even though we won’t be here, so really grateful for everyone here,” Ana said.
“Especially with the rest of our family being in Mexico, we feel really grateful that our coaches and team are here, so it’s very special,” Maria added.
The sisters are still coming to terms with the “crazy” reality that they are Ferris State graduates, and although the past four years felt too fast, they’re proud of what they have accomplished. Ana received her bachelor’s in Business Administration, while Maria now has her bachelor’s in Finance.
Both Gillard and Killion shared the same feelings as their fellow Bulldogs.
“I’m so grateful the university has allowed them to do this and still honor us while putting everything together for us, especially for our teammates and coaches to come out and watch. Also, the fact all of our parents could watch on Zoom, so I’m glad they were able to feel included” Killion said, who received a bachelor’s degree in Marketing.
Gillard, who completed her bachelor’s degree in Nursing, agreed.
“I feel accomplished. This is so cool since we won’t be here for graduation, so for Dr. Pink and everyone to come out to support us is such an amazing feeling.”
The softball team is currently No. 2 in the GLIAC and will look to maintain a top three position in the 2026 GLIAC Tournament, which is set for May 7-10 in Crown Point, Indiana.
Ferris State women’s tennis was recently ranked No. 4 in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Rankings and remains in line for a postseason tournament bid. The NCAA selections will be announced on Monday, May 4.