LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) - As a new high school volleyball season gets underway, a pair of events brought matches outdoors for the first time in Mid-Michigan. The Volley Turf Takeover at Lansing Catholic and under the lights match at Jackson Lumen Christi created memorable experiences for players and coaches, and spurred momentum for the season ahead. From sunglasses and stadium lights to food trucks and fog machines, there were plenty of sights that made it obvious these weren't your typical high school volleyball matches. "
It was definitely different for us," said Williamston senior Abby Brannan, whose team defeated Portland 3-1 at the Volley Turf Takeover. " We've never really done it but it's like beach volleyball. We've all played beach volleyball. I think we adapted to it really well as a team, and we just adapted to like conditions and the sun. " Outdoor volleyball matches have grown in popularity since the University of Nebraska shattered women's sports attendance records by drawing 92,003 fans to Memorial Stadium in 2023 for a match against Omaha.
In West Michigan, the Rally on Reeds at East Grand Rapids High School debuted in 2024. The third annual event was also held this past week, and since its inception the Rally on Reeds has shown the concept can work in Michigan high school volleyball. Seeing the success and unique atmosphere these events created, Lansing Catholic parent Jill Marlan had the idea to try it in Mid-Michigan. With the help of committees, community support and fundraising, her vision became the Volley Turf Takeover.
“This is, it’s so exciting," said Marlan while watching the action Thursday night. " The high energy, the loud music, the DJ’s, the players are ready to go. They’re here obviously behind me playing and there’s nothing better than watching these girls be so excited to actually come out and play in this type of environment.” Just two nights later, the concept made its way to Jackson County for the first time as Jackson Lumen Christi hosted Jackson in a match under the lights at Jim Crowley Memorial Stadium. "
It warms my heart to watch these type of events," said Lumen Christi athletic director Jesse Brown. " Especially on our girls' side. We were able to honor our state championship basketball team in between the JV and varsity game and did the banner presentation, so that was really neat today, and just to see the excitement around girls' athletics at Lumen Christi has been very special. " With every serve, set and kill, the players at these events rallied excitement for the season ahead. "
It's really cool to have these courtside seats, our student section behind our (bench)," said Brannan. " I think we advertised it really well in our town and everyone showed up for us, which made it really cool. " The Volley Turf Takeover featured two varsity contests, as Williamston defeated Portland 3-1 and Lansing Catholic topped DeWitt 3-1. At Lumen Christi, the Titans topped the Vikings 3-1 in the varsity match while Jackson won the JV match.
Now, the programs hope the community's enthusiasm for the sport will continue when the games shift back inside. " This is a sport that is high-energy," said Marlan. " It's high point-scoring. It's lots of fun. It's a tremendous sport to be able to watch and be part of, and my hope is that we're filling the gyms for these women athletes across the state. "
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