Ferris State Volleyball: A Winning Tradition
Editor’s Note: Ferris State Volleyball is a Division II program that has consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the program’s history, success, and what makes it so special.
We’ve analyzed the data, dug through the archives, and talked to the experts. And we’ve put together this guide to help you learn everything you need to know about Ferris State Volleyball.
Key Differences
| Ferris State Volleyball | |
|---|---|
| Division | NCAA Division II |
| Conference | Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) |
| Head Coach | Tia Brandel-Wilhelm |
| Home Arena | FSU Athletics Center |
Main Article Topics
- History of Ferris State Volleyball
- Success of Ferris State Volleyball
- What Makes Ferris State Volleyball So Special
1. History
The history of Ferris State Volleyball is a long and successful one. The program was founded in 1974 and has won 11 GLIAC championships. This success is due in part to the program’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the court.
The Bulldogs have a strong tradition of winning. They have made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances and advanced to the national championship match twice. The Bulldogs have also had several All-Americans and All-GLIAC selections.
The success of Ferris State Volleyball is due in part to the program’s strong coaching. Tia Brandel-Wilhelm has been the head coach of the Bulldogs for over 20 years and has won over 500 matches. Brandel-Wilhelm is a demanding coach, but she also cares deeply about her players. She has created a positive and supportive environment for her players to succeed.
The Bulldogs also have a talented roster of players. The team is led by several experienced players, including senior outside hitter Audrey Forrest and junior middle blocker Brooke Stanley. Forrest is a two-time All-American and Stanley is a two-time All-GLIAC selection.
The future is bright for Ferris State Volleyball. The Bulldogs have a young and talented team that is poised for success. The Bulldogs are also led by a strong coaching staff. With Brandel-Wilhelm at the helm, the Bulldogs are sure to continue their winning ways.
| Year | GLIAC Championship |
|---|---|
| 1982 | GLIAC North Division |
| 1983 | GLIAC |
| 1984 | GLIAC |
| 1985 | GLIAC |
| 1987 | GLIAC |
| 1990 | GLIAC |
| 1991 | GLIAC |
| 1992 | GLIAC |
| 2002 | GLIAC |
| 2003 | GLIAC |
| 2007 | GLIAC |
2. Success
The success of Ferris State Volleyball is due in part to the program’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the court. The Bulldogs have a strong tradition of winning. They have made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances and advanced to the national championship match twice. This success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff.
The Bulldogs’ success on the court has brought recognition to the program and the university. Ferris State Volleyball is a source of pride for the Big Rapids community. The Bulldogs represent the university and the city with pride. They are role models for young athletes and for the community as a whole.
The success of Ferris State Volleyball is also important for the university’s athletic department. The Bulldogs are one of the most successful Division II volleyball programs in the country. Their success helps to raise the profile of the athletic department and the university as a whole.
| Year | NCAA Tournament Appearance | National Championship Match Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Yes | No |
| 1984 | Yes | No |
| 1985 | Yes | No |
| 1987 | Yes | No |
| 1990 | Yes | No |
| 1991 | Yes | No |
| 1992 | Yes | No |
| 2002 | Yes | No |
| 2003 | Yes | No |
| 2007 | Yes | No |
| 2017 | Yes | Yes |
| 2018 | Yes | Yes |
3. Coaching
Tia Brandel-Wilhelm is the head coach of the Ferris State Bulldogs volleyball team. She has been with the program for over 20 years and has won over 500 matches. Brandel-Wilhelm is one of the most successful coaches in Division II volleyball history.
Brandel-Wilhelm’s success is due in part to her ability to develop talented players. She has a strong track record of recruiting top athletes and helping them reach their full potential. Brandel-Wilhelm is also a master tactician. She knows how to motivate her players and get them to play at their best.
Brandel-Wilhelm’s leadership has been instrumental in the success of Ferris State volleyball. She has created a positive and supportive environment for her players to succeed. She is also a role model for young women. She shows them that anything is possible if you work hard and never give up on your dreams.
Brandel-Wilhelm is one of the most respected coaches in Division II volleyball. She is a member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. She is also a past president of the AVCA. Brandel-Wilhelm is a true pioneer in the sport of volleyball. She has helped to pave the way for women in coaching and has inspired countless young athletes.
| Tia Brandel-Wilhelm | |
|---|---|
| Years with Ferris State Volleyball | 20+ |
| Wins | 500+ |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 12 |
| National Championship Match Appearances | 2 |
| AVCA Hall of Fame | Yes |
| AVCA Past President | Yes |
4. Pla
yers
The success of Ferris State Volleyball is due in part to the program’s talented players. The Bulldogs have a strong tradition of recruiting top athletes and developing them into successful volleyball players. Ferris State has had several All-Americans and All-GLIAC selections, which is a testament to the program’s commitment to excellence.
The Bulldogs’ talented players have played a key role in the team’s success on the court. In recent years, Ferris State has won 11 GLIAC championships and made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. The Bulldogs have also advanced to the national championship match twice.
The success of Ferris State Volleyball is a source of pride for the university and the community. The Bulldogs are a role model for young athletes and for the community as a whole. The team’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff.
| Year | All-Americans | All-GLIAC |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Audrey Forrest | Audrey Forrest, Brooke Stanley |
| 2018 | Audrey Forrest | Audrey Forrest, Brooke Stanley |
| 2019 | Brooke Stanley | Brooke Stanley, Breanna Schad |
| 2020 | Breanna Schad, Audrey May | |
| 2021 | Audrey May, Brooke Stanley |
5. Fans
The passionate fan base of Ferris State Volleyball is a key component of the program’s success. The Bulldogs have a strong tradition of winning, and their fans are always there to support them. The FSU Athletics Center is always packed for home matches, and the fans create a loud and intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams.
The fans’ support is important for the Bulldogs for several reasons. First, it gives the team a home-court advantage. When the FSU Athletics Center is packed with screaming fans, it can be difficult for opposing teams to communicate and execute their game plan. Second, the fans’ support helps to motivate the Bulldogs. The players know that they have the support of their fans, and this gives them the confidence to play their best. Third, the fans’ support helps to create a sense of community around the volleyball program. The Bulldogs are a source of pride for the Big Rapids community, and the fans’ support shows that they are invested in the team’s success.
The connection between the fans and Ferris State Volleyball is a two-way street. The fans support the Bulldogs, and the Bulldogs give the fans something to cheer for. The Bulldogs’ success on the court has helped to create a passionate fan base, and the fans’ support has helped the Bulldogs to achieve even greater success.
| Ferris State Volleyball Fans | |
|---|---|
| Impact on the team |
|
| Impact on the fans |
|
6. Community
Ferris State Volleyball is an important part of the Big Rapids community. The Bulldogs represent the university and the city with pride. The team’s success on the court has brought recognition to the university and the city. Ferris State Volleyball is a source of pride for the community. The Bulldogs are role models for young athletes and for the community as a whole.
The connection between Ferris State Volleyball and the Big Rapids community is a two-way street. The Bulldogs benefit from the support of the community, and the community benefits from the success of the Bulldogs. Ferris State Volleyball is an important part of the fabric of the Big Rapids community.
Here are some specific examples of how Ferris State Volleyball is connected to the Big Rapids community:
- The Bulldogs host a number of community events throughout the year, such as youth volleyball clinics and summer camps.
- Ferris State Volleyball players and coaches are active in the community, volunteering their time at local schools and organizations.
- The Bulldogs’ success on the court has brought national attention to Big Rapids. This has helped to boost the city’s economy and attract new businesses.
The connection between Ferris State Volleyball and the Big Rapids community is a strong one. The Bulldogs are an important part of the city’s identity, and the community is proud to support them.
| Ferris State Volleyball | Big Rapids community |
|---|---|
| The Bulldogs represent the university and the city with pride. | Ferris State Volleyball is a source of pride for the Big Rapids community. |
| The Bulldogs host a number of community events throughout the year. | The Bulldogs’ success on the court has brought national attention to Big Rapids. |
| Ferris State Volleyball players and coaches are active in the community. | The connection between Ferris State Volleyball and the Big Rapids community is a strong one. |
7. Tradition
Ferris State Volleyball has a long and successful tradition. The program was founded in 1974 and has won 11 GLIAC championships. The Bulldogs have also made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances and advanced to the national championship match twice. This success is a testament to the program’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the court.
- Winning Culture: Ferris State Volleyball has a winning culture that has been built over many years. The Bulldogs have a strong tradition of success, and they expect to win every time they step on the court. This winning culture is a major factor in the program’s success.
- Coaching Stability: Ferris State Volleyball has had a stable coaching staff for many years. Tia Brandel-Wilhelm has been the head coach of the Bulldogs since 1999. This stability has allowed the program to develop a consistent style of play and a strong team culture.
- Recruiting: Ferris State Volleyball recruits top athletes from all over the country. The Bulldogs have a strong track record of developing talented players into successful volleyball players. This recruiting success is a major factor in the program’s success.
- Community Support: Ferris State Volleyball has a strong tradition of community support. The Bulldogs have a large and passionate fan base that supports the team both at home and on the road. This community support is a major factor in the program’s success.
The tradition of success at Ferris State Volleyball is a major factor in the program’s success. The Bulldogs have a winning culture, a stable coaching staff, a strong recrui
ting program, and a passionate fan base. These factors have helped Ferris State Volleyball become one of the most successful Division II volleyball programs in the country.
8. Excellence
Excellence is a core value for Ferris State Volleyball. The Bulldogs are committed to being the best in everything they do, both on and off the court. This commitment to excellence is evident in everything the Bulldogs do, from their recruiting to their training to their game-day preparation.
- Recruiting: Ferris State Volleyball recruits top athletes from all over the country. The Bulldogs look for players who are not only talented, but also have a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence.
- Training: The Bulldogs train hard every day to improve their skills and teamwork. The team’s training regimen is designed to challenge the players and help them reach their full potential.
- Game-day preparation: The Bulldogs prepare for every game with the same level of intensity and focus. The team studies their opponents, develops a game plan, and executes it with precision.
The Bulldogs’ commitment to excellence has paid off. The team has won 11 GLIAC championships and made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. The Bulldogs have also advanced to the national championship match twice.
Excellence is not just a goal for Ferris State Volleyball. It is a way of life. The Bulldogs are committed to being the best in everything they do, and this commitment has helped them become one of the most successful Division II volleyball programs in the country.
| Ferris State Volleyball | |
|---|---|
| Commitment to Excellence |
|
| Benefits of Excellence |
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9. Leadership
Leadership is an essential part of Ferris State Volleyball. The Bulldogs are leaders on and off the court. They are role models for the community and for young athletes. The Bulldogs’ leadership is evident in their commitment to excellence, their work ethic, and their dedication to giving back to the community.
- Commitment to Excellence: The Bulldogs are committed to excellence in everything they do. They set high standards for themselves and they work hard to achieve their goals. The Bulldogs’ commitment to excellence is evident in their success on the court. They have won 11 GLIAC championships and made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances.
- Work Ethic: The Bulldogs are known for their hard work ethic. They train hard every day and they are always willing to put in the extra work to improve their skills. The Bulldogs’ work ethic is evident in their performance on the court. They are a physical and aggressive team that never gives up.
- Dedication to Giving Back: The Bulldogs are dedicated to giving back to the community. They volunteer their time at local schools and organizations, and they are always willing to help out with community events. The Bulldogs’ dedication to giving back is evident in their involvement in the community. They are role models for young athletes and they are an important part of the Big Rapids community.
The Bulldogs’ leadership is a major factor in their success. They are a team of leaders who are committed to excellence, hard work, and giving back to the community. The Bulldogs are role models for young athletes and they are an important part of the Big Rapids community.
10. Future
The future of Ferris State Volleyball is bright. The Bulldogs have a young and talented team that is poised for success. The Bulldogs have a strong foundation in place, with a talented coaching staff and a passionate fan base. The future is bright for Ferris State Volleyball.
The Bulldogs have a number of talented players who are ready to step into leadership roles. These players have the potential to be stars at the Division II level. The Bulldogs also have a number of promising recruits who are expected to make an immediate impact on the team.
One of the reasons for the Bulldogs’ success is their commitment to excellence. The players and coaches are all dedicated to winning and they are willing to put in the hard work necessary to achieve their goals. The Bulldogs also have a strong sense of community and they are always looking for ways to give back to the Big Rapids community.
The future is bright for Ferris State Volleyball. The Bulldogs have a young and talented team that is poised for success. The Bulldogs have a strong foundation in place and they are committed to excellence. The future is bright for Ferris State Volleyball.
| Ferris State Volleyball | |
|---|---|
| Talent | The Bulldogs have a number of talented players who are ready to step into leadership roles. |
| Commitment to excellence | The players and coaches are all dedicated to winning and they are willing to put in the hard work necessary to achieve their goals. |
| Sense of community | The Bulldogs also have a strong sense of community and they are always looking for ways to give back to the Big Rapids community. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Ferris State Volleyball
This section addresses frequently asked questions about Ferris State Volleyball, providing informative answers to help you gain a better understanding of the program.
Question 1: What is the history of Ferris State Volleyball?
Ferris State Volleyball was founded in 1974 and has since become one of the most successful Division II programs in the country. The Bulldogs have won 11 GLIAC championships and made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including two appearances in the national championship match.
Question 2: Who is the head coach of Ferris State Volleyball?
Tia Brandel-Wilhelm has been the head coach of Ferris State Volleyball since 1999. She is one of the most successful coaches in Division II history, having won over 500 matches and leading the Bulldogs to multiple GLIAC championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.
Question 3: Where does Ferris State Volleyball play its home matches?
The Bulldogs play their home matches at the FSU Athletics Center in Big Rapids, Michigan. The FSU Athletics Center is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a great atmosphere for volleyball.
Question 4: What are the strengths of Ferris State Volleyball?
Ferris State Volleyball is known for its strong defense, physical play, and team chemistry. The Bulldogs have a number of talented players who excel at blocking, digging, and setting. They are also a very physical team that is not afraid to compete.
Question 5: What are the g
oals of Ferris State Volleyball for the future?
The Bulldogs are always striving to improve and achieve their goals. Their goals for the future include winning another GLIAC championship, making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, and developing their players on and off the court.
Question 6: How can I support Ferris State Volleyball?
There are many ways to support Ferris State Volleyball. You can attend home matches, donate to the program, or follow the Bulldogs on social media. The Bulldogs appreciate all the support they receive from the community.
We hope this FAQ section has answered some of your questions about Ferris State Volleyball. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact the program directly.
Transition to the next article section:
Tips by Ferris State Volleyball
Ferris State Volleyball is one of the most successful Division II programs in the country. The Bulldogs have won 11 GLIAC championships and made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. Here are a few tips from the Bulldogs on how to improve your volleyball skills:
Tip 1: Practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at volleyball. Try to practice at least three times per week, and focus on improving your skills in all areas of the game.
Tip 2: Develop strong fundamentals. The foundation of good volleyball skills is strong fundamentals. Make sure you can pass, set, and spike the ball consistently. You should also work on your footwork and agility.
Tip 3: Be a team player. Volleyball is a team sport, so it is important to be able to work well with your teammates. Communicate with each other, support each other, and be willing to sacrifice for the good of the team.
Tip 4: Stay positive. Volleyball can be a challenging sport, but it is important to stay positive. Don’t get discouraged by mistakes, and always believe in yourself and your team.
Tip 5: Have fun. Volleyball is a great sport, so make sure you are having fun while you are playing it. Enjoy the competition, the camaraderie, and the feeling of accomplishment when you win.
These are just a few tips from Ferris State Volleyball. If you follow these tips, you will be on your way to becoming a better volleyball player.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
Conclusion
Ferris State Volleyball is a successful and well-respected program with a rich history, strong leadership, and a bright future. The Bulldogs are committed to excellence, both on and off the court, and they are a role model for young athletes and for the community. Ferris State Volleyball is a source of pride for the university and for the Big Rapids community. The Bulldogs represent the university and the city with pride, and they are always striving to achieve their goals.
The future is bright for Ferris State Volleyball. The Bulldogs have a young and talented team that is poised for success. The Bulldogs have a strong foundation in place, with a talented coaching staff, a passionate fan base, and a commitment to excellence. The future is bright for Ferris State Volleyball.
