Bowling Green State University Volleyball Team Completes Preseason and Raises Funds for Program

Strategic Insights -

The Bowling Green State University (BGSU) volleyball team concluded its preseason with a win over Youngstown State in an exhibition match before hosting the program's fourth annual Dream BiG fundraiser, which drew a record-breaking crowd. The event showcased the team's dedication to the community and its commitment to academic excellence. The Falcons will now shift their focus to the regular season, which begins on Friday, Aug. 29, with an invitational at North Dakota State.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bowling Green State University volleyball team completed its preseason with a win over Youngstown State in an exhibition match, demonstrating the team's strong performance before the regular season.
  • The team's fourth annual Dream BiG fundraiser was the highest-attended event in the program's history, with Steve Iwanek serving as the evening's emcee and featuring speeches from BGSU's Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe, Head Coach Alex DelPiombo, and Keynote Speaker Stephanie Swiger ('08).
  • The program's Director of Athletics, Derek van der Merwe, highlighted the sense of community and the unique village that surrounds the volleyball program, as well as the mirrored success of the program and the university in general.
  • Head Coach Alex DelPiombo emphasized the importance of the community in the building and retention of the players in the program, stating, "These players are here because of you."
  • The fundraiser included a live auction, a silent auction, and a Raise the Paddle initiative, which raised funds for new lockers in the program's locker room renovations.
  • The team will begin its 2025 season on the road at North Dakota State, with a doubleheader on Friday, Aug. 29, taking on Temple at 2 p.m. EST and then facing host North Dakota State at 7 p.m. EST, followed by the home opener on Sept. 17 against Oakland.

Statistics:

  • The program's fourth annual Dream BiG fundraiser drew the largest crowd in the event's history.
  • The team's lockers will be renovated with funds raised from the Raise the Paddle initiative.
  • The Falcons will play a total of 10 matches in the invitational at North Dakota State, including the doubleheader against Temple and North Dakota State.

Sources:

  • BGSU Athletics Department
  • "BGSU Volleyball Completes Preseason" August 23, 2023, on BGSU Athletics Department website
  • "BGSU Volleyball Hosts Dream BiG Fundraiser" August 23, 2023, on BGSU Athletics Department website