"Queens Women's Volleyball means the world to me," says Tilley Collins '27. "I think so highly of this program and the people in it. I think this program is going to do some great things, and I am very fortunate to be a part of it."  

Today marks the launch of Investing in Champions, Queens Athletics' annual giving campaign. Every gift this week goes directly to student-athletes like Collins and her teammates, funding the travel, lodging, nutrition, and player development that shape the Queens Volleyball experience.  

Head Coach Matt Stolz measures the program's success in people, not points. "The greatest impact of volleyball isn't measured by wins, championships, or statistics — it's measured by the people our student-athletes become," he says. "Volleyball is simply the vehicle we use to teach lessons that will last a lifetime."  

For Camryn Teasley '28, the growth has come through adversity. "In the classroom you learn about perseverance, leadership, and teamwork, but volleyball has actually made me experience them," she says. "It has taught me how to handle failure, trust the people around me, and keep pushing even though things get hard." 

Collins and Teasley's experiences are directly shaped by the team's leadership. "I hope our student-athletes leave Queens with a belief in who they are and what they are capable of becoming," he says. "The confidence to embrace challenges, the resilience to persevere through adversity, and the discipline to pursue excellence in every area of life." 

Some of Stolz's proudest moments as a coach happen well after his players graduate. Years ago, he coached a player who went on to coach herself — and later helped recruit one of her own athletes to Queens. "Knowing that her experience played a role in helping that recruit choose Queens was incredibly humbling," he says. "The greatest legacy we can leave is the positive impact we have on the people we coach." 

 "When you support Queens Women's Volleyball, you're not simply funding a team — you're helping transform lives," Stolz says. "Every investment in our program is an investment in the future of our student-athletes." 

Your support this week is critical in reaching the program's $25,000 fundraising goal. Check out this year's challenges and progress toward the goal at queens.edu/royals-giving.  

Investing In Champions is October 2-9, 2026. Unlock Royals Club benefits with gifts of $100 or more. For questions or information on issuing your own challenge, please reach out to Danielle Evans-Clan, director of athletics advancement, at evanscland@queens.edu.