As the sun peeked over the Ferrell Center and the echoes of cheers filled the air, Baylor University's Alumni Volleyball Weekend came alive with the spirited energy of past and present athletes. Among the familiar faces and shared memories stood a group of teammates, united by their love for the game and the bonds forged on the court.

For these teammates, returning to Baylor for Alumni Volleyball Weekend was a chance to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the enduring legacy of Baylor volleyball. But it was also an opportunity to rekindle relationships—to help embrace the next chapter with courage, resilience, and a sense of purpose.

Jenne Blackburn, advocate for community and athlete well-being returned looking forward to seeing her friends and teammates. With copies of her newly released book at the espnW summit, "Always An Athlete," in hand, Jenne was excited to share this message and inspire and empower her fellow Bears to navigate the highs and lows of their athletic journey with grace and resilience.

As the teammates gathered around, Jenne handed out books and reminded her teammates that they were not alone—that they were part of a community bound by shared experiences, shared dreams, and shared aspirations.

With each book placed in their hands, Jenne bestowed upon her teammates a gift—a roadmap to navigate the uncertainties of life beyond sports and embrace the opportunities that lay ahead. "Always An Athlete" became more than just a book; it became a symbol of solidarity, resilience, and the unwavering bond of the Baylor volleyball family.

But the impact returning to Baylor Alumni Volleyball Weekend didn't end there. As the dinner before the match came to a close, returning alumni athletes gathered around the iconic "Always A Bear" sign—a symbol of pride, unity, and tradition. One by one, they added their signatures to the sign, leaving behind a tangible reminder of their enduring connection to Baylor and to each other.

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As the teammates flipped through the pages of their new books, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air as they re entered the Ferrel Center to watch the current group of student athletes compete. They knew that the journey ahead would be filled with challenges and triumphs, but they also knew that they had each other—their teammates, their mentors, their friends—to lean on every step of the way.

For the Baylor volleyball team, Alumni Weekend was more than just a chance to relive the glory days—it was a reminder of the strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit that define the Baylor athlete experience. With this new message of “Always An Athlete”, the teammates are poised to embrace the next chapter with courage, resilience, and a sense of purpose.

As the sun set on another unforgettable Alumni Volleyball Weekend, the teammates departed with hearts full of gratitude, memories to cherish, and a renewed commitment to empowering each other to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Join the conversation: #AlwaysAnAthlete

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