Steve and Ashley Richardson Allen had never watched a college match before they started following the Terrier volleyball team.
“From the first serve until the ball hits the floor at the end, it’s all gas, no brakes,” says Ashley. “The team’s energy is incredible, and at this point in our lives, traveling to support the Terriers is something we do for fun. We love it.”
The Allens started following the team several years ago after establishing a scholarship for a student-athlete on the women’s volleyball team. They wanted to connect with and show support for the recipient of their scholarship. Along the way, they discovered a variety of benefits and opportunities — for themselves and the team.
The team’s new Taraflex floor in the volleyball arena of the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium is just one example.
“When we follow the team, we can see how other NCAA Division I programs operate. Steve and I use our observations to think about what we can do to help elevate Wofford’s program,” says Ashley. “We saw this flooring at Baylor during the NCAA Volleyball Championship Tournament and at Clemson University as well. Adding this flooring immediately elevates our program, supports recruiting efforts and eases wear and tear on our student-athletes.”
While the Allens say hanging more championship banners from the rafters is plus, continuing the Richardson family legacy and enhancing what is already one of the most impressive arenas in the country was also an important consideration.
“Joining other donors in supporting the $150,000 new flooring project was an easy decision,” says Steve. “For the sacrifices our student-athletes and coaches make, they deserve the best, safest experience possible.”
According to Head Coach Lynze Roos, Taraflex is the official surface for NCAA championships. The vinyl flooring has shock-absorption layers designed to reduce impact injuries. More than 100 Division I programs now have permanent or portable synthetic courts. Wofford’s surface is portable.
“In addition to the lead gift from the Allens, our team also received support from the Buterbaughs and other volleyball families. We had gifts from faculty, staff and friends of Wofford. The women on our team know that every gift is a vote of confidence and support. We are so appreciative,” says Roos. “After watching our team train this preseason on the floor, the benefits are clear. Not only is the surface safer, but the upgrade showcases Wofford’s commitment to women’s athletics.”
The way Roos interacts with the team is one of the reasons the Allens are all-in when it comes to supporting Wofford volleyball.
“When we travel to watch the team, we can sit close, and it’s obvious that there’s so much mutual respect between coaches and student-athletes,” says Ashley.
The Allens traveled to Baylor University in Waco, Texas, to watch the women’s volleyball team in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in 2024 (the second of three back-to-back-to-back Southern Conference Tournament Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances).
“We came up short. It was a hard loss,” says Ashley. “Even in that heartbreaking moment, I learned something about that team that was so impressive. Coach Roos invited me to the post-game interview, and I had the opportunity to listen to Sarah McLean ’25, Mary Emily Morgan ’25 (our Allen scholar) and Coach Roos. The way they conducted themselves in that interview … the way they talked about the Wofford experience and how proud they were to wear old gold and black … how appreciative they were of the educational and athletic experience. I watched them pull themselves together after that tough loss with dignity, professionalism and poise. That’s exactly why we do whatever we can to support them.”
Steve also recalls a Southern Conference Championship win in Asheville, North Carolina.
“We had followed them all year long, and after the win, Scott Kull (Robert D. Atkins ’65 Director of Athletics) came up to where we were sitting and took us down on the court,” says Steve. “The student-athletes and coaches made us feel like we were part of the team. They welcomed us and wanted us to share in their excitement. It’s a two-way street. We can be there to support them, pay for a meal now and then and show them the respect they deserve for their contributions to Wofford, and they, in turn, are willing to share their enthusiasm and championship experience with us.”
As Ashley was joining the Wofford College Board of Trustees, she says her father, Jerry Richardson ’59, sat down with her to share his wisdom and talk about the responsibilities of board leadership from the perspective of someone who loved Wofford and had a long history of service.
“He said there would always be needs — some great and some small. He said to pay attention, stay alert and act on the things that touched my heart. He said to do my part to make Wofford better than I found it. This floor is just one example,” says Ashley. “Any gift I make to Wofford is always a great return on my investment.”