Danielle Dull is a junior on the volleyball team at Judson University.  She is from Waupun, Wisconsin, and is a starting for the Eagles.  She is an All-CCAC 1st team selection for the 2008 volleyball season.

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By Leslie Talley

Judson Sports Information Student Assistant

For 16 seasons, including club volleyball, junior Danielle Dull has dedicated her talents and energy to the sport. "I've been with Judson for all three years so far and I am expecting to finish out my fourth here as well," Dull tells. Although Danielle has decided to only play volleyball while at Judson University, she did dabble in other activities during high school: "...I tried my hand at basketball and track, but God didn't exactly bless me in those sports like he did for volleyball." It is through volleyball that Danielle has learned both basic skills for the sport as well as advancing and sharpening her natural talent.

She also has appreciated being able to play with such a wide variety of players. "We are all amazing Christian women!" she begins. "I love every single one of the girls on my team. I feel like volleyball has accomplished that sense of family that every team wants," Dull continues. "We have short, tall, quiet, loud, clumsy, hilarious, awkward, beautiful, God-fearing women on our team. I couldn't ask for better teammates." These student-athletes are bonded by more than a love for volleyball. They all love and serve Jesus. That does make a family atmosphere.

Danielle talks more about how volleyball and God work hand-in-hand. "Volleyball has given me numerous opportunities to meet new people," she says. "God gave me a gift in order to further His Kingdom. I've had many talks with girls exploring and furthering their faith." Dull shows that volleyball is much more than a sport; it is also a mission field. "I've gotten the chance to talk with girls I've played against who do not know what a Christian Institution is like," Danielle states.

It is this faith that drives integrity within the team. Honesty within a sport is all-too-often overlooked, but Judson University volleyball takes the call of Christ seriously. "I am particularly proud of our team for calling our own errors. Refs cannot honestly see every error each team makes." Dull also claims, "We've agreed that our team does not want to get points that we have not honestly earned. I love that our team does this." Danielle continues to explain, "This way, there is no question [about the call] and we feel good about the example we are for Christ."

"We are such encouragements to one another," Danielle further emphasizes. "Without even speaking of it, we all assume the best of one another. We want each other to succeed and grow spiritually. We start every practice and game with devotions and prayer. Our girls are amazing women after God's heart," she concludes.

When asked about volleyball teaching life-long lessons, Danielle candidly answers, "If I can be honest, I never had the best of social skills. I probably still could use a little work," she laughs. "But volleyball has given me something in common with hundreds of people. I have had so much interaction with people that I've grown out of my shyness," Dull admits. "Accomplishing a goal together feels even greater than getting by on your own."

"I will have a lot of jobs in my field that requires working with coworkers. I can honestly say that volleyball helped me with my 'people skills,'" Dull tells. During this socially-evolving time in Danielle's life, she reveals how much being at Judson has helped her. "I love the small feel and the tight community that Judson offers," Dull states. In addition becoming so close with her volleyball family, Danielle has become an established role model on campus, giving her many other important relationships.

One of Danielle's favorite volleyball stories is from this year: "We were blessed with the opportunity to have an amazing bunch of new girls come in this past season. Among them is Hayley Welding. I love her," Dull begins. "At the beginning of the year, we had an athletes' bowling night. The freshmen thought it would be cool to all ride together. So they get lost. Hayley calls the bowling alley for directions," Danielle continues with the memory. "[The man] asks what road they are on. 'Sleepy Hollow' she says. He asks which direction they are going. Confused [as to] why he would ask such a question, she says 'Straight!'" Dull finishes. "Just to reiterate the fact: I love Hayley! The team would not be the same without her."

The most valuable lesson Danielle Dull has learned throughout the years of playing volleyball is that, "...It's not all about winning," she says. "I love winning...probably more than the next person. [The fact is], I've had some fantastic teammates here at Judson, and I would not trade this experience for any other team...even a winning team."