Daniel Williams/Collegian
Hillsdale parents Christ Way (L), and Dan and Linda Grzegorski cheer like crazy at a recent home match.
More often than not, parents of athletes are criticized in the media as being overly involved in the life of their athletic children.
From horror stories of fathers starting fist fights at hockey matches to overzealous moms of competitive cheerleaders, it's often hard to believe that parents become involved in the lives of their children merely because they have a sincere interest in the sport.
But for the daughters on the volleyball team, the relationship with their parents is anything but something out of the pages of a horror story.
When the team was playing a tournament in Northern Alabama, they were motivated to beat a strong team in division II because they could hear the cheers of several parents who made the long journey to see them play.
"My parents are my biggest supporters and fans," sophomore Becky Grzegorski said. "It's nice to know that there's always someone there to support you."
The parents see their actions as an act of love, not necessarily an act of duty.
"We love our daughter and we want to support her in anything she's involved in," said Doug Howard, father of freshman Megan Howard. "It's something that kids want you to come to. We're a volleyball family and we love to support our young lady."
For the parents, the transition from high school to college life can be just as challenging for them as it is for their children. The parents appreciate the opportunities they have to spend with their daughters, even though it may just be glimpses from the bleachers, to help make the transition easier for both of them.
"Hillsdale is such a great environment for [Megan] to learn," said Sue Howard, mother of Megan Howard. "There's constant encouragement and people who are constantly watching out for her. We're thankful for that."
The volleyball team, which shares a strong relationship with their teammates on the court, claims a lot of their success is due to that relationship. The parents feel the same way about their relationships with other parents.
"I've only missed a handful of matches," said Kelly Rudland, sophomore Taryn Rudland's mother. "It's helpful to have (sophomore) Tessa Bloemer's mom to carpool with. It makes the two hour and 20 minute drive to Hillsdale go a lot quicker. We're all really close and pretty tight. This group of parents is really special."
Bloemers and Rudland both hail from Holland, Mich., which is convenient for their mothers.
"These are a wonderful group of parents," Doug Howard said. "They've welcomed us to the team. We're all mutually supportive and we're encouraging to one another."
As a way to show their support, Grzegorski's mother ordered stickers for car windows for each parent. The stickers include their daughter's name and number along with a Charger logo.
Also, parents give the players treats on birthdays, snacks for away games, and general encouragement for the girls.
"Anything I can do I am happy to do," Rudland said. "And we're always there to give lots of hugs."
The supportive parents aren't just noticed and appreciated by the players. The coaching staff is also grateful for the support system that the family can provide.
"It's always nice to hear cheers coming for your stands when you're at an away game," head coach Chris Gravel said. "Not only are you playing against the opposing team, you're also going up against the opposing team's fans.
"All of these parents have been supportive and encouraging - not just to the team, but also to the coaches and staff. That's greatly appreciated."
The feeling is mutual amongst the parents.
"I really respect the coach," Sue Howard said. "The way he and Stephanie [Gravel] work with the girls is great. Meg can sense her own improvement as a player which is great, especially since she's learning a new position. He's helped her tremendously with that transition."
"They have a genuine concern and compassion for the girls," Rudland said. "We've been impressed by the coaches and we're very happy. It's great having a husband-wife team because you know they're sure to give care to all the girls' needs. It's an added bonus."
While they may not stand in freezing temperatures wearing nothing but a painted letter across their chest like other fans might, the parents of the volleyball players support their daughters just as passionately.