Marketing freshman Jurnee Coleman hits the ball during a coed student-run volleyball tournament Oct. 20 at the Maverick Activities Center outdoor sand volleyball courts. The event was hosted by Women of Gold and A Collection of Brothers.
Teams gathered as student organizations Women of Gold and A Collection of Brothers co-hosted a volleyball tournament Monday at the Maverick Activities Center.
Spectators lined the scene with free pizza to watch eager teams that aimed to win prizes, including gift cards, skin care products and more.
Kloi Johnson, Women of Gold vice president and psychology senior, said being able to spread the culture of two organizations through this recreational event gives individuals the opportunity to better themselves in multiple facets.
Electrical engineer sophomore Emile Lang, reaches up for the ball during a coed student-run volleyball game Oct. 20 at the Maverick Activities Center. Lang attended the event as a way to relieve stress.
“We’re creating a space where encouragement, collaboration and connection thrive beyond organizational lines,” Johnson said in a text message. “Volleyball is the medium, but the mission is deeper: Building bonds that strengthen our individual and collective journeys.”
The tournament was made up of four teams that consisted of a variety of students from different backgrounds and experiences, boasting a friendly but competitive atmosphere. To open the tournament, team Smurfs won the first round in a tightly contested match 25-21.
Criminology and criminal justice senior Lyla Thomas cheers after scoring a point during a coed student-run volleyball tournament Oct. 20 at the Maverick Activities Center outdoor sand volleyball courts. Winners of the tournament received a prize at the end.
Summer Colbert, team Smurf member and nursing sophomore, said the event brings people together and that it felt like meeting a lot of new people with the same interest.
“I know all of the players, but one of the players I did bring from my hometown, so she didn’t know anybody,” Colbert said. “But even though she wasn’t familiar with everybody, I feel like we all did good as a team though.”
Dylan Pagan, vice president of A Collection of Brothers and real estate development senior, said a lot of thought went into this event. They took insight from students during an interest meeting to make sure the event was something people would want to come out and enjoy themselves.
Players scramble to hit the ball during a coed student-run volleyball tournament Oct. 20 at the Maverick Activities Center. Winners received gift cards, skincare products and more.
“Being able to host events like this and get everybody together and have fun and laugh and chill together and eat and generally relax from school is very beautiful,” Pagan said.
Pagan said the winners received prizes like gift cards or bash tickets to the Mariah the Scientist, R&B and soul artist, concert for UTA’s homecoming and skincare products.
Arnetha Harp, chief operations officer of Women of Gold and public health senior, said the event helps with engagement and meeting new people.
Players reach over the net during a coed student-run volleyball game Oct. 20 at the Maverick Activities Center. Women of Gold and A Collection of Brothers hosted the event.
“I was a commuter student, so it actually helped me get to know people that’s on campus, cause if there was events, I would literally go to class and then drive home,” Harp said.
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