Despite multiple women's athletic programs consistently competing at a high level and ranking amongst the top programs in the Big Ten and the nation, student attendance at their events often remains low compared to many men's sports - even in cases where those programs are not experiencing the same level of success.

It is undeniable that being in the student sections at football games and the Izzone is an essential part of the Spartan experience, but it is not complete. The full Spartan experience also includes Rally Row at volleyball matches, the Breslin Boom at women's basketball games and support for the many other women's athletic programs across campus. 

I often hear that women's sports are "boring," and I believe a part of that perception reflects a deeper societal issue that views women's athletics as "lesser" or "inferior" to men's sports, rather than the fault of individuals or Spartans as a whole. I have encouraged people to attend women's basketball, volleyball and gymnastics events, and despite initial hesitation, many have come to enjoy them.

They attend regularly, following away game results, watching games they cannot attend, staying engaged in the offseason, interacting with programs on social media and even considering travel to away games. Student sections are a key part of the collegiate sports experience, yet Rally Row and women's basketball games often see low to nearly no attendance. I can personally attest that there have been times when I was one of the only students present in Rally Row. Student sections do not happen on their own; instead, they simply require students to show up and support all Spartans. 

There is undeniable excitement in a Flight 55 Coen Carr dunk, a trailing three from Jackson Kohler or a defensive play from Cam Ward or Jordan Scott. However, while different in style, a Theryn Hallock steal and score, a Kennedy Blair and-one, an Emma Shumate catch-and-shoot corner three, a perfect set from Malayah Long leading to a Bianca Mumcular kill, or a Zuzanna Kulig block against Harper Murray are quite exciting to see. 

Not only is it exciting to watch individual players in each match, but it is also meaningful to witness history being made. MSU volleyball alumna and head coach Kristen Kelsay, along with her staff, has led the Michigan State women's volleyball program to its most wins since 2017. MSU was one of only eight Division I programs and one of just two in the Big Ten to go unbeaten in non-conference play in 2025. The 10-0 start also marked the best opening record for a first-year head coach in program history. The Spartans earned their first sweep of a ranked opponent since 2017 with a 3-0 win over No. 20 Indiana, and swept Michigan in East Lansing for the first time since 2015, where over half of the lower bowls were filled with fellow spartans.

Additionally, the program set a single-match attendance record of 11,578 fans against Nebraska, just 3,219 shy of the Breslin Center's capacity. If witnessing Spartan collegiate history being made does not seem exciting, I am not sure what does. 

Along with it being an exciting time to witness history being made, at the end of the day, you are also supporting fellow Spartans who are just like you – walking on the same campus and taking the same classes – and you get to do all of this for free. 

Who knows, if Rally Row grows, maybe we could even see a Coach Kristen Kelsay campout one day. 

Isiah Sageman is a current women's basketball operations intern at Michigan State University and a current camp coach for the Tom Izzo Basketball Camp. A committed collegiate sports fan, he is passionate about student engagement and increasing support for women's athletics. 

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