January 30, 2026
Ferris State women’s basketball players credit community support for experiences that make the team stronger
The Ferris State University women’s basketball team traded the snowy Big Rapids campus for sunny skies and intense competition in Hawaii leading up to the semester break at the end of 2025.
A trip to the middle of the Pacific isn’t easy, and the team is thankful for the many people who contributed to support the team through Ferris State’s annual One Day for Dawgs fundraiser.
One Day for Dawgs 2026 is set for April 8, and the event will feature even more opportunities to support causes across Ferris State University.
The Bulldogs finished their competition at the Hawaii Classic with a 1-1 record in two tough contests between team bonding activities and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Kadyn Blanchard is the sixth-year senior team captain, a 2025 biology alumna, a 2025 Master of Business Administration alumna, and current Master of Healthcare Administration student who recently set the all-time scoring record for the Bulldogs. She shared just how important community support is to the team and their continuing success.
“Something as simple as getting a second pair of shoes for the season or having fan support at our games reminds us how incredible our community is,” Blanchard said. “We wouldn’t be where we are without the relationships our team builds with each other and our supporters. Those relationships and donations inspire us to play a high level and represent Ferris State as best we can at every opportunity.”
The Bulldogs have enjoyed repeated success in recent years, earning a Division II Final Four appearance in 2023, and regular contention for GLIAC regular season and tournament titles.
Last year, the Bulldogs extended their achievements beyond the court and finished fourth among all teams for total amount raised during One Day for Dawgs 2025, securing more than $13,000 during Ferris State University’s annual day of giving event.
Assistant Coach Mallory McCartney, who played for the Bulldogs during their historic run in 2023 while completing her MBA, emphasized the importance of fundraising as a team activity, and just how important securing this travel experience was to the team.
“Transitioning from a player to a coach has been eye-opening to everything that goes into building a championship-contending basketball program,” McCartney said. “When we talk to these young women about leaving a legacy and how they want to grow as individuals, special experiences like this in highly competitive environments are so important to building confidence on the court and lasting.
The Bulldogs are showcasing their bolstered confidence and teamwork on the court so far this season. Several seniors, including Blanchard, have surpassed career milestones as the team has already notched 15 wins midway through the season.
Ranked No.21 nationally, with key wins over other ranked opponents, the Bulldogs are positioned to make a run in the post-season with the new all-time points leader.
Blanchard and her teammates set high expectations when they take the court, but ultimately, they are thrilled to play basketball with lifelong friends.
“This is such a great group of girls, I’ve just been so happy getting to play this season with my best friends”, she said. “Like our coaches say, ‘When the season is over, I’ll just be proud to have left everything on the court and to have built a legacy at Ferris State.’”
As more groups sign up, challenge gifts are unveiled, and exciting announcements are shared; keep up with all the latest news about One Day for Dawgs at ferris.edu/oneday.