UW-Green Bay Women’s Volleyball team recognized for volunteer work
Coach Abbey Sutherland speaks to the Phoenix Women's Volleyball team at the Attack Alzheimer's match on October 27, 2023. Photo by University Photographer, Josh Buntin.
There’s no question that the Phoenix Women’s Volleyball team and coaches have impact – both as athletes and as volunteers within the community. Their dedication to community involvement was especially evident at the annual “Attacking Alzheimer’s” match at the Kress Events Center, held on Friday, October 27, 2023.
Head Coach Abbey Sutherland is passionate about raising awareness and funds for this devastating disease in honor of her mother, Rhonda, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in her mid- 50’s and passed away on December 27, 2022 after a long battle. The event proceeds were donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.
In addition, the Phoenix volleyball team and coaches were honored by the Optimist Club of Green Bay with the Friends of Optimist Award for volunteering with the Dictionary Project and Navarino Neighborhood program. The Dictionary Project gave over 500 3rd grade students dictionaries at 8 elementary schools in Green Bay. Together they looked up words such as College, Volleyball, Optimist and Gratitude.
The Navarino Neighborhood program is a weekly summer program engaging in Science, Art and Leadership, with the Volleyball team doing a volleyball clinic in the park. The students participated in projects such as seed planting, leadership activities, science experiments, painting and crafts.
The Optimist Club of Green Bay has served the Green Bay youth for over 75 years. Through the years they have impacted over 3 million youth through their programs and sponsorship of other clubs in Northeast Wisconsin. Without the volunteers such as the volleyball team, engagement with the youth of Green Bay would not be possible.
Congratulations to the Phoenix Women’s Volleyball team and coaches!
