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SMU Volleyball built a solid foundation for the 2022–2023 season thanks to SMU Giving Day funds – and went on to become conference champs

You could argue that the boost from SMU Giving Day funds helped lead the volleyball team to win the 2023 American Athletic Conference championship – the team’s third conference title and first win since 2016.

“Our team is incredible,” says head coach Sam Erger. “I’m blessed to work with some amazing girls. You’ve got girls who are truly invested in this University and are incredible ambassadors for SMU. In a lot of ways, Athletics can be the ‘front porch’ of the University. They’re out there representing SMU.”

The No. 7 seed team then went on to compete in the NCAA Division 1 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, where they advanced to the second round after sweeping Texas State.

Following the 26-7 season, five members of the team received AAC awards and Erger was named AAC Coach of the Year. Celia Cullen ’24, who won Setter of the Year, credits SMU Giving Day funds with setting the team up for success.

“We got lunches provided for us after practices, which was new in the fall and due to donors,” Cullen says. “It really helps us when rushing to class instead of grabbing a granola bar – we’re fueling in a healthy way so that we can play at peak performance.”

In addition to healthy lunches that fuel their bodies after practice, SMU Giving Day funds also contributed to state-of-the-art recovery technology and treatments, including Normatec boots, a cryotherapy machine (that’s shared with the football team), shockwave therapy, ice baths, and oxygenator tubs.

“We really couldn’t do all that without help from SMU Giving Day,” Cullen adds.

But perhaps the biggest impact of all was felt on the team’s 10-day trip to Greece and Italy last May, where they faced several international teams throughout – including Club Milon in Athens, Greece, and Volleyro Roma in Capannori, Italy, to name a few.

“You get 10 extra days of training, which sets you up into your season having a jump start; you get ton of team bonding – 10 days together in Europe is going to do it; and it’s a dream for these girls,” says Erger. “They ultimately felt invested in. Being able to do that, they felt like they matter and are important and are seen. And they get to be ambassadors for the University and represent SMU globally.”

Erger adds that with the upcoming transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference, the team’s needs in order to compete at a top level will only increase over the next year.

“We want to continue to operate on par in a competitive way in a conference where we are traveling more,” she says. “This is a huge opportunity.” 

One day. One SMU.

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