One could say that the Sacramento State volleyball team is one big family. But the Hornets family doesn’t stop at the players and coaches, who are known for their chemistry. The Hornet family consists of parents, grandparents, siblings and friends.

Junior Jennifer Ferguson’s grandparents, Don and Carol Crosswhite, travel from Chico and haven’t missed a match during their granddaughter’s career, even if it’s in another state, by making away games an opportunity for a road trip.

“We like to see the sights,” Carol said.

“They are very dedicated,” Ferguson said. “I love it.”

Senior Kristin Lutes’ parents fly from Seattle, Washington. One week each year, her older sister Michaela, who coaches volleyball in Washington, travels alongside her parents to see her sister play.

“It’s bittersweet,” Michaela said. “This is the last time I’ll see her play. She’s awesome and making a name for her position (of libero).”

The Lutes’ aren’t the only fan base that the senior libero has. Her boyfriend 2? years makes it to most home games, giving her the support when her family isn’t in attendance.

“She’s away from her family, and I play that role in giving her support,” Juan Carlos said.

Carlos has attended the Cal and Stanford NCAA tournament and, being a former Sac State athlete, he feels a part of something competitive when attending the matches.

“I love to watch them play,” he said. “It’s an intense environment. It’s nice.”

The stands aren’t just filled with family from afar, but locals too. The Franz family was happy to see daughter Michelle join the Hornets after playing her freshman year for the Oregon State Beavers.

“It’s close to where we grew up,” her father Tracy said.

Twin sister Jenny said that Michelle likes when she attends games. The Sac State volleyball players also attract friends and faithful fans along with family. Jason Nelson, a freshman at Sac State, is one of many who attend games to watch freshman Anna Schoener, who he went to Union Mine High School with.

“She enjoys when her friends come. A good number comes, but I’m consistent,” he said.

Junior Lindsay Haupt acquired a young fan last year. Nine-year-old Meghan Nealon met Haupt during last season when Nealon congratulated her on a job well done.

“I went to say hi last season, to say good game, and we became friends,” Nealon said.

“She’s a great girl,” Haupt said. “It’s nice to have a consistent fan.”

Nealon’s father Dave, a former Sac State student, lives just a half mile from the campus and likes to watch the Hornets play.

“They are a competitive team and good role models for Meghan,” he said.

One thing that can be seen from anywhere in the stands is that the Hornets have chemistry.

“They all get along really well,” Tracy Franz said.

“The team has a good chemistry and they work well together,” Nelson said.