As Panthers Rise: Adventure, Service and Volleyball

Published: April 13, 2021

Through wobbly bridges, unmarked paths and exotic wilderness, a team of women ventured through a jungle in the heart of the Dominican Republic. Eventually, they reached the beautiful waterfall surrounded by cratered rocks and ridges that they had been searching for. With the help of their teammates, each explorer scaled a high cliff and overcame their fears with a leap of faith into the water pools below. Being a member of the Greenville College Women's Volleyball team goes far beyond being an athlete. It's about adventure, service and family.

In the summer of 2014, the GC Women's Volleyball team had the opportunity to take a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. While on the trip, the team had multiple opportunities to serve others. The girls aided the children of a Sunday school program trapped in poverty. In order to help the children, the team earned money through fundraisers to purchase schools supplies. In addition, each volleyball player wrote and received letters from a pen pal of the Dominican Republic Sunday school - a process that began a year before the trip.

In an unfamiliar environment, the team had no choice but to create a stronger bond. Most days lasted from 7 a.m. until 1 a.m., with schedules stuffed with volleyball, service and sightseeing. These activities gave the team time to strengthen their relationships with one another while creating timeless memories. Eventually, the team had to return home, but they could do so knowing that they touched lives, meshed as a unit and conquered fears.

Shortly after returning, the 2014 season was underway. When it came time for them to select a theme for their athletic season, they summed it up in one word: "rise." As one unit the Panthers prepared to journey up the jagged cliff of a new year. They knew it wouldn't be easy, but together they could conquer any height or obstacle. So as the upward trek began, they stayed together - ready to conquer any fear that would arise. With each step they neared the top, knowing that victory is earned on the rising journey upwards.

Read more about their winning Fall 2014 season

This article was originally featured in the Fall 2014 edition of The Vista, which was awarded Gold for Cover Design and Silver for Issue by the American Advertising regional awards in February 2015.