Rexanne Tucker had a pretty good feeling about Friends University the moment she stepped on campus.

It was that small-town feel, the sense of community, and the family-like atmosphere that made her feel right at home.

As a small-town Kansas girl herself, it was exactly what she was looking for. And those first impressions couldn't have been more spot on.

Tucker had plenty of memorable experiences at Friends, from the intense competitions on the court to the fun intramural basketball games and everything in between.

But the thing that stands out the most is the support she felt from the rest of the campus.

"I always saw Friends people that were either on a team or people that came and celebrated the team, or people that were in my classes that I knew," she said. "You never felt alone. I think that was just one of the best experiences, is just feeling that sense of community and family, no matter where you're at on campus, athlete or not."

The Unforgettable Season

Given the camaraderie that the 2010 volleyball team shared, it's no surprise they will be inducted into the Friends University Athletics Hall of Fame this October as part of the 2025 class.

For Tucker, it was a once-in-a-lifetime season, thanks to the competitive spirit and individual drive each player brought to the court.

"There were so many of us that were very individually driven and competitive, but yet we all would come to the gym with one goal on our mind," Tucker said. "We were just wanting to be better and better during every practice."

Tucker recalls the intense practices, where every player gave it their all, regardless of their position in the lineup.

It was that dedication and passion that made the team so successful and so special.

"We were competing against each other, and then ultimately we were all very individually driven too," she said. "We all shared the same vision, and we were just synced up. It's just such a special dynamic. It's hard to explain."

And the support they received from the fans only added to the experience.

Tucker fondly remembers the themed dress-ups, the music, and the dance moves in the stands. It was a whole community coming together to support and celebrate the team.

"My friends' parents were my second parents. Everyone traveled together. We'd all go out to eat together and do fun stuff," she said. "Overall, it was a huge family, and the whole experience was very positive and just so much fun. I'll never forget it."

A Family Affair 

As Tucker reflects on those unforgettable seasons, she can't help but feel grateful for the impact Friends University has had on her life.

"It's just such a special place," she said. "The relationships I built, the experiences I had, and the lessons I learned have shaped me into the person I am today."

Tucker's journey at Friends wasn't just about volleyball. It was about finding a community, building lifelong friendships, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. At the forefront of this was meeting her husband Josh Tucker, who also attended Friends at that time

It was also about being part of something bigger than herself and experiencing the joy of competing and succeeding together.

Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the 2010 volleyball team, but it's also a celebration of the Friends University community that supported them every step of the way.

"It's just overall really special," Tucker said. "I think it'll be really cool for all of us and our families and just getting to celebrate that. On that note, I want to shout out my family, and specifically my parents, Gary and Paula. They never let me give up, despite the frustrations or obstacles. And they willingly logged many, many miles to be at every game and tournament to cheer me on. I definitely owe them a lifetime of oil changes.