CHARLOTTE, N.C. - "To me, Queens Men's Volleyball means family," says Chance Shampine '27. "We are such a close-knit group of guys, and I am so grateful to have them all as my teammates. Everything we do and accomplish makes me proud to be a member of the program."
Today marks the launch of Investing in Champions, Queens Athletics' annual giving campaign. Every gift this week goes directly to student-athletes like Shampine and his teammates, funding the hospitality, travel, and everyday resources that shape the Queens Men's Volleyball experience.
"Our program is built on relationships, defined by standards, driven by competition, and sustained through growth," says Head Coach Roger Peluso. "Our goal is to develop better people, not just better volleyball players. Through connection, accountability, competition, and growth, we teach our athletes to lead, handle adversity, support others, and take ownership: skills that will serve them well long after volleyball."
Being on the team has changed how Shampine sees himself. "It has helped me grow into a leader, which is something I never thought of myself, and I'm really grateful that it has pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me grow as a person," he says. "I think that after college, my experience here at Queens will definitely show in my leadership and confidence."
One moment stands out above the rest. "The one moment that sticks out to me the most was our upset win over #11 Ohio State," Shampine says. "This was such an amazing moment for our players, coaches, and supporters, and being able to celebrate with everybody made the moment so much more special. It helped us see how much our program has evolved over the past nine years."
Peluso hears that same sense of momentum from alumni. A former player recently told him he wishes he could still be playing, now that the program competes in the MIVA instead of as an independent. "He sees how much the overall student-athlete experience has evolved, from the locker room and uniforms to the merchandise and strength of our schedule, and recognizes how far the program has come," Peluso says.
Rylan Colman '27 has really seen the program develop in the spaces the team calls home. "Now, through donations, we have full wooden lockers, space for storage, and a big open area where everyone can see everyone and celebrate together," he says.
"Donors and donations are complete game changers," Peluso says.
This week, you can invest in Shampine and every student-athlete on the Queens Men's Volleyball roster. With a fundraising goal of $72,000, which includes a $42,000 campaign to make a once-in-a-lifetime trip to play Hawaii, every gift is an investment in the continued growth of this program.
