On Thursday, Nov. 13, Millard West’s DECA chapter held its fifth annual senior boys’ volleyball game. Tickets were $5 at the door or available for purchase online ahead of the event. All proceeds support DECA members traveling to nationals.
The International Career Development Conference (ICDC) is DECA’s national competition. This year, the conference will be held in Atlanta from April 25-28. At ICDC, students compete in a variety of business-related events, including role plays and tests, attend leadership sessions and take advantage of networking opportunities.
The coaches for the fundraiser were seniors on the varsity volleyball team. The five girls divided into coaching staffs, drafted players, planned practices and guided their teams the night of the match. Senior setter Ava Wiebelhaus said she appreciated the chance to stay involved in volleyball even after the season and despite not being in DECA.
“After Senior Night, the other coaches and I got together to draft our teams,” Wiebelhaus said. “Tyler and I went for athleticism over friendship. We wanted them to get along, but we figured no one disliked each other enough to get in the way of winning. Honestly, all I wanted was to coach the winning team.”
Teams attended two optional practices the Monday and Tuesday before the game. During a scrimmage at the end of practice, the green team looked strong, leading many to believe they would win on game day. Although his team came up short, senior Harper Townsley said he tried to apply leadership skills he has developed in other areas of his life.
“Team camaraderie is important for success because if you can’t work together, no one will be on the same page,” Townsley said. “I think it’s a good cause supporting DECA because the students support us at football games, but I wanted to have fun and win with the green team.”
This event also relies on behind-the-scenes work from DECA officers and administrators. Vice President of Leadership Montana Chronister said many logistical details had to come together to make the fundraiser run smoothly.
“There was a lot of work on the backside that most people probably don’t realize went into planning this fundraiser,” Chronister said. “I had to make group chats with the teams, get referees, make T-shirts, talk with administrators and put together hype videos. It was all worth it because the funds go toward state and ICDC to lower costs.”
It was a successful night for both DECA and the black team, the Black Ballers. The boys swept the green team, the Volley Bruhz, in three sets. DECA raised about $600. After all fundraising for the year, the cost per person for ICDC is about $1,000. The strong turnout and support demonstrate why this event remains one of the chapter’s staple fundraisers and is expected to continue for years to come.
