The Indiana Wesleyan University women’s volleyball team attended the city of Marion Common Council meeting as part of the council’s community spotlight Tuesday night.
The team recently won their second consecutive NAIA national championship, defending their title in a five-set comeback win over Bellevue of Nebraska.
“I think this is such a big deal as an Indiana Wesleyan alum, and Marion, this is a big deal for us,” Mayor Ronald Morrell Jr. said to the team during the meeting. “I’m super proud of each and every one of you.”
Marion City Council President Nick McKinley said he was very excited to have the team present at the meeting.
“We’re just so proud of them,” McKinley said. “Indiana Wesleyan is integrated into the fabric of our community, and we should recognize these major accomplishments for any of the teams, whether it’s athletic or academic.”
In addition to the NAIA and Crossroads League championships, many players and both coaches received individual awards.
Head coach Candace Moats and assistant coach Dan Bergren received the Crossroads League Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year awards, respectively.
Junior outside hitter Eva Joldersma was named Player of the Year by the NAIA, AVCA and the Crossroads League. Junior setter Abbigail Porter was named Setter of the Year by the NAIA, AVCA and the Crossroads League. Graduate outside hitter Martina Demarchi and junior middle blocker Marissa Mullins earned AVCA All-American Honorable Mention.
Defensive specialist Elly Grenda said that associate athletic director Jeffrey Reyes arranged the city council appearance.
“(Reyes) was following us for our full season, and came with us to nationals, and then wanted us to come here,” Grenda said.
Grenda is currently a senior at IWU. She said this past season was a great end to her college volleyball career.
“Now, having two national championships, it’s bittersweet because I ended it on, like, the best way I could have, but then I’m leaving such a good group of girls,” Grenda said.
The Wildcats are 75-2 in the last two seasons and return four starters next year as they look to be the first NAIA school to three-peat since Fresno Pacific University won four in a row from 2007-2010.
