Horizon League Rings | Photo from Wright State Volleyball Twitter
The Wright State University (WSU) volleyball team and men’s soccer team were able to put together a socially distanced ring ceremony to receive their championship rings from last season.
The volleyball team was the 2019 Horizon League regular season champions, while the men’s soccer team won the Horizon League tournament and was crowned champions.
Due to the coronavirus, putting together a ring ceremony was a challenge for the WSU athletic department. They were not allowed to let family and friends join the celebration and they had to be socially distanced throughout the ceremony, while wearing masks.
Volleyball team
Last season was historic for the WSU volleyball team, the Head Coach Allie Matters won Horizon League Coach of the Year and Jenna Story won Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year.
“We accomplished so much. When you are on a team, whether it be high school or college, athletes before you leave a legacy of accomplishments. This group earned the honor of setting those accomplishments, creating so many program bests and first-ever moments,” said Matters.
Nyssa Baker, Jenna Story, Celia Powers and Lainey Stephenson were each named to the All-Horizon League First Team.
The volleyball team finished their season last December, so the ring ceremony brought back great memories for everyone involved.
“Reflecting back on the season gives me great hope and excitement for what’s to come in upcoming seasons,” said senior on the volleyball team Teddie Sauer.
Soccer team
The men’s soccer team accomplished things that had never been done before by this program: first Horizon League Championship, first NCAA Championship appearance and first NCAA Championship win.
“It was a great chance to relive and celebrate everything that we accomplished last season. This group of players have worked so hard and everything came together that night, it was truly a special night,” said Head Men’s Soccer Coach Jake Slemker.
This was the first time this team was able to capture a championship after being so close before and losing in the finals in 2016.
That is part of what made this ceremony special for the soccer team, because they finally were able to get over the hump and get those championship rings.
“Everyone was really excited about the rings and we think they turned out amazing. The guys love them and everyone was shocked when they first saw them,” said Slemker.
