The Ferris State University Women’s Soccer team made school history in the 2022 season by securing a NCAA Division II regional championship and competing in the national semifinal game.

Four months later, the Bulldogs shattered a second team record, working together to raise more than $10,000 in support of the soccer program during Ferris States’ 2023 One Day for Dawgs.

One Day for Dawgs is Ferris State University’s annual day of giving, empowering university groups to raise funds for the causes they care most about. Fundraising activities range from supporting scholarships and academic programs to funding new equipment that helps athletic teams compete with the best in the NCAA Division II.

Following its in-season success, the Bulldog Soccer team was motivated to keep improving throughout the offseason, including fundraising efforts.

“Fundraising for us is all about helping us bridge the gap to our competition,” said Allison McMahon, a senior midfielder from San Diego. “We worked to get updated cameras and practice equipment to help us evaluate film, be more consistent overall, and improve our practice planning.” 

In the 2023 season, the Bulldogs helped head coach Greg Hanson reach 150 career victories before falling in the GLIAC tournament semifinal game. Maintaining the motivation to keep working through the offseason, though, hasn’t been a problem for the Bulldogs. 

“Funnily enough, we didn’t even expect a trophy in 2022 for winning the regional championship,” McMahon said. “It surprised us because we were just so happy to keep playing together as a team and to move on in the tournament. Our program loves to compete, and that attitude will never change.”   

Lindsey Cole, a junior defender from Grand Rapids, said the team members are focused on getting back to the final four and pushing themselves to bring more championships to Big Rapids.

“We’re inspired by our community and all the support we see during the season and during events like One Day for Dawgs,” she said.  

Looking forward to this year’s One Day for Dawgs, set for April 10, the Bulldog Soccer team is pursuing an underestimated advantage that will help them in their quest for a championship – warmth.  

“Our playoff season is mid-November into early December and many of the host schools are in the northern states,” Cole said. “Solid cold-weather equipment and preparation are underrated but super important to post-season success when we play on these open and exposed fields.”

The most important consideration for the team, though, is remembering what it means to wear the Bulldog on their jerseys.

“The outpouring of support from our fans and community supporters on One Day for Dawgs means so much,” McMahon said. “Your gifts and kind words are inspirational, empowering, and go a lot further than you might think. It really does mean the world to us. Thank you.”