The Ferris State University women's volleyball program, which has reached the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen each of the past three years, will gear up for the 2024 season with a special overseas trip this spring.

The Bulldogs will depart May 5 for a spring trip to Spain and Portugal where they will test their skills on the court against foreign competition. The unique 10-day trip will not only include game experience, but also strengthen team bonds and enrich cultural perspectives.

"The chance to spend 10 days in another country with our team is fantastic in terms of the team building that will come out of it," said FSU head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm. "The opportunity to play other teams and face another style of play will be a challenge, but the personal growth and leadership that will come out of it is exciting."

The FSU team is currently raising funds for the journey, which will help contribute toward airfare, accommodations, meals and in-country travel expenses. Additionally, all Gamechanger supporters contributing over $1,000 will also receive personalized updates directly from the Bulldogs throughout the trip.

"Overall, we're just really excited for the experience and the opportunity to experience new things," said FSU junior outside hitter Tatum Outlaw. "This is a once in a lifetime experience and we're working hard to educate ourselves on the language and the culture before we go."

Charitable donations to help support the Bulldogs' trip can be made online at the link below thru FSU's fundraising platform.

"I'm really excited to travel with the team, get to see new things and play volleyball in other countries," said Bulldog junior middle hitter Syann Fairfield. "I'm excited for the food and spending so much time in Portugal and Spain while getting to experience cool things."

The Bulldogs reached the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen this past fall for the third consecutive season. Ferris State also claimed the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLAIC) Tournament Championship this past year along with the school's 12th consecutive and 27th all-time NCAA Tournament appearance. FSU closed the campaign with a 27-8 overall record this past season.

The bulk of FSU's roster is slated to return for the 2024 fall season.

"This trip will give us the chance to face a higher level of competition in Europe and going overseas will help us grow as a team going into the season," FSU junior outside hitter Hannah Tecumseh said. "I haven't been outside of the United States, so getting to do it with the people I love so much, my teammates and coaches, is so special."

Visit this link to contribute to the Bulldogs' trip:
https://igfn.us/form/_u0trw