[chimera]

Two thoughts:

First, while I appreciate the point raised on the Northern Colorado thread that student attendance has never been a major factor at games, the athletic department could definitely be doing more in this regard. As a recent grad who frequently sat in the (mostly empty) student section during my undergrad and grad school years at Stanford, it was always startling to see what short shrift WBB was given in promotion compared to the (less successful) men's team. A recent year in which students attending the men's game were promised entry into a lottery to win an iPhone, iPad, and other goodies comes to mind as a particularly egregious example; I can't recall any such giveaway ever being run for the women. I sent Stanford Athletics a note about this that I'm sure disappeared into the void.

Second, a lack of player-fan interaction has been cited as a factor in the attendance drop-off. I don't dispute this but do believe it's worth thinking critically about how much we expect of players who are not only full-time students but also young women living in a world where social media and other exposure makes it easy for fans to assume a level of familiarity that isn't there (and may be uncomfortable). I should say that I've always experienced the crowd in Maples (and the posters on this board) to be respectful of the players. However, a quick look at comments on the players' instagram photos illustrates some line-crossing comments from folks who they might believe are also up in the stands. Comments from fans on players' physical appearance, speculation about their personal lives, etc. can feel... icky. It's incumbent upon all of us to behave in a way that builds trust and a willingness to engage.

I don't think we need more from the athletes.  They need their time and I don't want to take any more of it.  I do think the coaches could afford to spend a bit more time on fan interactions, maybe not to the degree they once did, but certainly more than now, which amounts to 10 minute pre-game chalk talks from the three assistant coaches, and a few minutes after three or four games for the Behind-the-Bench events.  To me it seems they don't really want to do it much, in contrast to the excellent chalk talks we get from Head WVB Coach Hambly, who seems to genuinely want to help fans understand the game.  He presents info rather than just answering questions, and I've learned a lot about volleyball from him and from previous Head WVB Coach Dunning, who was similarly enthusiastic about educating fans about the sport.  The WVB Volleyball 101 event was also really great.  

I hear from someone that knows that it is possible to have events on the practice court gym next door to Maples without needed to cover the court with tarp or anything, so that would not cost much and would be very welcome.  Fans can be sorta like plants, we need some watering and tending to thrive (be good fans, show up to games, and advocate for non-fans to come to games and become fans).

[chimera]

Two thoughts:

First, while I appreciate the point raised on the Northern Colorado thread that student attendance has never been a major factor at games, the athletic department could definitely be doing more in this regard. As a recent grad who frequently sat in the (mostly empty) student section during my undergrad and grad school years at Stanford, it was always startling to see what short shrift WBB was given in promotion compared to the (less successful) men's team. A recent year in which students attending the men's game were promised entry into a lottery to win an iPhone, iPad, and other goodies comes to mind as a particularly egregious example; I can't recall any such giveaway ever being run for the women. I sent Stanford Athletics a note about this that I'm sure disappeared into the void.

Second, a lack of player-fan interaction has been cited as a factor in the attendance drop-off. I don't dispute this but do believe it's worth thinking critically about how much we expect of players who are not only full-time students but also young women living in a world where social media and other exposure makes it easy for fans to assume a level of familiarity that isn't there (and may be uncomfortable). I should say that I've always experienced the crowd in Maples (and the posters on this board) to be respectful of the players. However, a quick look at comments on the players' instagram photos illustrates some line-crossing comments from folks who they might believe are also up in the stands. Comments from fans on players' physical appearance, speculation about their personal lives, etc. can feel... icky. It's incumbent upon all of us to behave in a way that builds trust and a willingness to engage.

I don't think we need more from the athletes.  They need their time and I don't want to take any more of it.  I do think the coaches could afford to spend a bit more time on fan interactions, maybe not to the degree they once did, but certainly more than now, which amounts to 10 minute pre-game chalk talks from the three assistant coaches, and a few minutes after three or four games for the Behind-the-Bench events.  To me it seems they don't really want to do it much, in contrast to the excellent chalk talks we get from Head WVB Coach Hambly, who seems to genuinely want to help fans understand the game.  He presents info rather than just answering questions, and I've learned a lot about volleyball from him and from previous Head WVB Coach Dunning, who was similarly enthusiastic about educating fans about the sport.  The WVB Volleyball 101 event was also really great.  

I hear from someone that knows that it is possible to have events on the practice court gym next door to Maples without needed to cover the court with tarp or anything, so that would not cost much and would be very welcome.  Fans can be sorta like plants, we need some watering and tending to thrive (be good fans, show up to games, and advocate for non-fans to come to games and become fans).