Princeton University Athletics
All-American Marin Gjaja '91, MotorMVB Help Push Volleyball During Strong TAGD Effort
December 14, 2017 | Men's Volleyball
The Gjaja's offered a $50,000 matching grant on TAGD, and the Princeton volleyball alumni answered the call by donating an additional $55,982. Due to the amazing turnout of 377 donors giving $105,982, Princeton Volley was rewarded with an additional $30,000 in bonus funds for a grand total of $135,982 on the day! These bonus funds were sponsored by the Princeton Varsity Club Board of Directors and Advisory Committee, who generously contributed over $200,000 to spur the competitions on the day.
"The Princeton Volleyball program is deeply appreciative of the support from our alumni on Tiger Athletics Give Day and throughout the year, we wouldn't be where we are today without the loyalty and dedication of this enthusiastic group of Tigers."As Princeton alumni, parents, and friends, we are overwhelmed by the response of the Princeton Volleyball alumni, parents, and friends to our TAGD challenge in support of the Morgan McKinzie '93 Volleyball Endowment," said Gjaja, whose son Niko is now a freshman on the men's squad. "Both the number of donors and the amount raised speak volumes about their commitment and loyalty to Princeton Volleyball. We were also pleased to support the growth of boys' and men's volleyball by making the gift through the MotorMVB Foundation."
TAGD proved to be part of an exciting time for the Princeton volleyball programs. While the women are coming off a third-straight Ivy League championship season, the men are closing in on their 2018 season and were ranked just outside the AVCA Top 15 in the preseason poll.
"I would like the thank Marin and Kate Gjaja for their incredible support and leadership in fundraising for Princeton Volleyball," said head coach Sam Shweisky. "Their passion and initiative paved the way for such an amazing opportunity for us to raise significant funds on TAGD. Thanks to the PVC and Ford Family Director of Athletics Mollie Marcoux Samaan for her vision to create such an incredible vehicle for this to be possible.
"Also thanks to Motor MVB for their commitment to helping raise funds for men's volleyball in the US," added Shweisky, who has also played a significant role for Team USA over the last few years. "Their passion and commitment to boys and men's volleyball has been an incredible addition to our efforts. Thank you!"
