For Sister Jolise May, the Ancilla Volleyball team is proof that there is no intergenerational barrier when there is a meeting of the hearts. Aside from finishing up their last game of the regular season with a hard fought five set victory over the Bruins of Kellogg CC and concluding another twenty win season, just the second of which in the last several years; head coach Lana Singleton and her team share their season with a special group of Sisters they hold dear to their hearts.
The Ancilla Women’s volleyball team and the Sisters from Catherine’s Cottage have formed a very special relationship over the last several years; whether through service events or mixers, the Sisters of “Sister Power” play a large role in supporting the Lady Chargers just as the women have supported them. Sister Power originally formed from a previous service-learning project between the volleyball team and the Poor Handmaid Sisters living at Catherine’s Cottage. This service project has grown into a close-knit group of women on and off the volleyball court.
Coach Lana Singleton not only appreciates the outside support her team receives, but this type of relationship is something she treasures for many reasons, “[The Sisters of Sister Power] are faithful and loyal supporters, it is such a special relationship. The Ancilla volleyball team ALWAYS looks forward to spending time together with those wonderful ladies.”
Aside from the enjoyment that follows with attending Thursday night games, the team has shared a meal with the sisters and partaken in group craft projects; one of those involving making blankets for the hospital. Sister Marlene Ann Lama expressed her enjoyment and gratitude of the program, “How wonderful it was for the Sisters to have a chance to feel special and supported in their later years by these exceptional young women.”
Through each ounce of support that students, athletes, staff and coaches provide through each other; this sense of outside support, according to President Ken Zirkle, is very reflective of Ancilla’s slogan, “We believe in you;” through his eyes, “it is so rewarding to see these ladies from very different generations respecting and supporting each other.” The Lady Chargers ended their regular season on October 21st with a thrilling win at Kellogg CC.
