In 1983 the Fresno Pacific volleyball team battled its way to a 16-12 record, the program’s first winning season in Dennis Janzen’s first year as head coach. They couldn’t have foreseen it at the time, but they were laying the foundation for what would turn into one of the most successful programs in the history of NAIA college sports.
Three years later the Sunbirds captured the inaugural GSAC Championship. Three years after that the 1989 team brought home the school’s first NAIA National Championship.
For more than 25 years Fresno Pacific volleyball teams have won the adoration of fans and the respect of opponents. During that span the Sunbirds have brought home the NAIA National Championship five times and finished in the top three at the national tournament five other times. They’ve won 16 GSAC titles, produced 87 All-GSAC athletes, 59 NAIA All-Americans and three NAIA players of the year.
On Saturday August 14 the 2010 team, before embarking on its quest for an unprecedented fourth consecutive national title, will first honor all the players that paved the way before them with a night of celebration and a meeting on the court.
The evening will include a reception dinner beginning at 5 p.m. in the Shehadey Dining Room on campus, along with a program remembering many of the most special moments of the last 25 years. The night will continue with a match between the current team and the alumni at 7:30 p.m.
Sunbird fans will have the opportunity to meet the 2010 team, led by returning NAIA All-Americans Lisa Shilling, Martina Gregusova and Keke Wang. They’ll also get the chance to see the two newest members of the Sunbird tradition, local talents Kathleen Anderson (Lemoore HS) and Karah Mitchell (Clovis HS).
Cost for the event is 12 dollars for adults and five dollars for children 12 & under. This includes dinner and the first chance to see the 2010 Sunbirds in action when they take on an all-star team of alumni at 7:30 p.m.
"We are extremely excited to be able to celebrate over 25 years of FPU volleyball success," said Coach Janzen. "Even more fun will be the chance for people to see each other again and to share some great stories from the past. It will be a great evening."
Anyone who has had some kind of affiliation with Sunbird volleyball including former players, parents, and Sunbird Association members, is especially encouraged to attend.
For more information contact Todd Nord at 559-453-2032 or email asstvolleyball@fresno.edu.