BGSU volleyball hosts fourth annual Dream BiG fundraising event
BGSU volleyball celebrated the start of its 2025 season on Saturday with its fourth annual Dream BiG fundraiser. Following Bowling Green's exhibition match against Youngstown State at the Stroh Center.
Many alumni, donors, parents, and athletic staff attended the event, which concluded with some speeches and an auction hosted by Van Wright.
The speeches given spotlighted how the volleyball program has stood as a pillar of BGSU Athletics, and how new head coach Alex DelPiombo is precisely the right person to continue the tradition of excellence that is the BGSU volleyball program.
Coach DelPiombo also had the opportunity to speak, thanking many of the donors and facility present, as well as her new coaching staff.
"These players aren't here without every single one of you," said DelPiombo, "We don't keep an entire team through a coaching transition, which is unheard of in college athletics, without every single one of you."
Steve Iwanek, a BGSU graduate and former voice for the Falcons during the 2023 season, returned this year as emcee, with former player Stephanie Swiger serving as the keynote speaker.
"I learned everything I do every day from the volleyball court here," said Swiger.
Swiger, who played for the program from 2004 to 07, concluded her speech with a quote that showcases her love for BGSU.
"My favorite quote in this entire campus is on the back of the union," said Swiger. "Former BGSU president Paul Olscamp said…'No matter where you go. We will always keep in touch, and you will always be welcome home again.' So thanks for having me home."
The event wrapped up with the live auction and silent auction, conducted by Wright. This included the opportunity to travel with the Falcons for their away matches against Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan, plates created and designed by the team, and brownies from junior Amanda Otten's bakery, "Mandy's Candys."
The Falcons will start their season by traveling to North Dakota for the NDSU/UND Tournament, with a doubleheader on Aug. 29 against Temple for their opening match of the 2025 season at 2:00 p.m., then against North Dakota State at 7:00 p.m.
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