KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Following an exceptional season that saw the Western Michigan University volleyball team clinch both the MAC regular season and tournament championships, as well as advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the program is proud to announce the installation of a Gerflor Taraflex floor.

Thanks to the generous contributions of both Jack and Ann Anderson and Glenn and Susan Cherup, WMU's volleyball program is set to have a new Taraflex floor this fall. This significant upgrade is a testament to the unwavering support of WMU and commitment to the continued success of Bronco Volleyball.

"As we continue to grow support and momentum in our women's sports programs, we are thrilled to announce this new and exciting amenity for our volleyball program," said Director of Athletics, Dan Bartholomae. "We appreciate the support of Jack and Ann Anderson and Glenn and Susan Cherup in providing these young women an addition to their facility that will help provide the best home environment in the MAC."

The new Taraflex floor represents a pivotal advancement in performance and safety, providing the Broncos with a world-class playing surface to further elevate their game. With its unparalleled durability and enhanced shock absorption properties, the Taraflex floor is designed to optimize player performance while minimizing the risk of injury, ensuring that athletes can compete at the highest level with confidence.

"Our team is so incredibly excited to have the opportunity to play on Taraflex floor! It is no secret that Taraflex is the newest high-level equipment to have in the game," said Logan Case, senior setter and reigning MAC Player of the Year. "To be able to be one of the only teams in the MAC with this opportunity shows the unwavering support and commitment by our administration and loyal supporters and we are so very grateful for that."

In a gesture of appreciation and recognition, the court will be named in honor of former WMU Athletic Director Kathy Beauregard. Beauregard's visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have played an instrumental role in shaping the legacy of WMU athletics. The portable floor will feature WMU's official school colors and the Bronco logo, as well as a word mark of Kathy's signature.

"This is an exciting day for our program. The addition of the Taraflex floor will put our volleyball student-athletes on the premier playing surface in the game. It will also help us to recruit the elite student-athlete to the program as we continue to build upon the momentum of our 2023 season," said Colleen Munson, Head Volleyball Coach. "We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our donors and the efforts of Dan Bartholomae and Jim Culhane to help bring this dream to fruition. Additionally, we can't help but reflect on this opportunity to honor Kathy, who has been a pioneer, mentor, and champion of women's athletics."

"I have known Kathy Beauregard for a long time now and have appreciated the commitment and dedication she has shown on behalf of Western Michigan University from her coaching days through her recent retirement," said Glenn Cherup. "She has had a strong voice in the Mid-American Conference, supported Western's place in intercollegiate athletics, and maintained the high standards expected of those involved in intercollegiate athletics, not least of which have been the student-athletes themselves. It is an honor for us to recognize her in this manner and at the same time support the WMU Volleyball program."