Undefeated Cowley volleyball team honored at the state capitol

The Kansas Senate and House congratulated the Cowley College volleyball team on winning the 2024 NJCAA Division II National Championship with a perfect 40-0 record by having the team as special guests on Wednesday in Topeka, KS.

This marks the second straight season the Cowley volleyball team has been NJCAA Division II national champions. Lady Tiger volleyball players and Cowley coaches Steven Gream and Lana Milner were honored on the House and Senate floor and had an opportunity to meet with Governor Laura Kelly. The team presented Governor Kelly with a signed volleyball.

The players and coaches also met with Representative Bill Rhiley and Senator Larry Alley.

"It was an honor to have them stand and recognize the hard work that our program has done, not only in the last two years but in the history of the program," Gream said. "Just being there, sitting in both houses of Congress, with all of its history, was impressive, but to also be recognized and honored by those representatives and senators really meant a lot to all of us. Our players and coaches were also very appreciative of the numerous representatives and senators who came privately to them and congratulated them and talked about how great it was watching them play and seeing how they carried themselves."

Representative Rhiley and Senator Alley spoke glowingly not only about the past two national championships won by the Lady Tigers but also about the tremendous success of the team during Gream's tenure as head coach. They also mentioned the numerous individual awards won by the Lady Tiger players.

The Lady Tiger volleyball team was joined by Cowley College president Dr. Michelle Schoon and Cowley athletic director Jeff Fluty. The group also enjoyed a tour of the Capitol.

Gream said this will be a day to remember. "The visit was an amazing experience, and we appreciate all of those who helped coordinate and organize the visit so our program could experience such a great honor."