Women's Volleyball Attends College Champions Day at the White House
Written by Juniata Communications
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Long before sunrise, the Juniata College women's volleyball team boarded a bus for Washington, D.C. The players and coaches had just wrapped a full week of teaching high school players at volleyball camp, so it took a special invitation to get them out on the road. Their destination: The White House.
As reigning NCAA Division III National Champions, they joined student-athletes and coaches for College Champions Day today (Monday, July 22) to celebrate the 2023–2024 title-winning teams across all three college and university divisions. Vice President Kamala Harris hosted the teams on the lawn of the White House.
"I know it was not easy to make it to this moment. Each of you has faced challenges and obstacles, and you have endured. You have fought back and fought through," said Vice President Harris in her remarks. "By doing so, you demonstrated that true greatness requires more than skill. It requires grit and determination."
Of the teams in attendance at the ceremony, Harris explained that there were seven undefeated teams; Juniata College finished its season undefeated in December 2023 with its championship win over Hope College. Among the other teams, she said 11 were repeat champions and 20 first-time winners.
"It is amazing to be here with all these championship teams and to celebrate our national championship one more time," said Juniata Women's Volleyball Head Coach Heather Pavlik.
As live instrumental music rang out, the event began with a grand entrance with one student-athlete from each championship team walking down the curved stairs at the front of the White House. They remained on stage during the Vice President's remarks. Kennedy Christy, a returning graduate player from Saxonburg, Pa., represented Juniata College.
"It was very cool," recalled Christy after the event. "We [student-athlete representatives] were all lined up in the Green Room and the East Room of the White House. We talked the whole time we were waiting in line. I got to meet a lot of NCAA athletes who play different sports and go to different schools."
The event also featured a tour of the White House, the opportunity to walk on the famous lawn, take in views of the Washington Monument, and play volleyball and lawn games. Student-athletes and coaches were invited to stop and write well wishes for Team USA athletes headed to the Paris Olympics.
"It's an honor to be here, to be invited by the White House, and to experience a unique day with other student-athletes," said Abbey Telesz, senior and co-captain.
"I'm just happy to be celebrated, and it feels like we're still living the dream," said Emily Sullivan, senior.
The full ceremony is available for viewing online.
The women's volleyball team opens their season on the road Friday, August 30, at Christopher Newport.