WXSP-TV, 96.1 the Game to Provide Local Coverage of Grand Rapids Rise
Published on January 23, 2024 under Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF)
Grand Rapids Rise News Release
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Rise, embarking on their debut Pro Volleyball Federation season, will have select home matches televised locally on WXSP-TV - including the home opener this Thursday, Jan. 25 against the Columbus Fury - while 96.1 The Game will be the radio home for all home matches.
WXSP will serve as the local live in-market television partner for the Rise. A sister station to WOOD TV8 and WOTV, WSXP can be found on all local cable systems as well as a series of low-power channels across the region, including in Grand Rapids (WOLP channel 27), Holland (WOHO ch. 33), Muskegon (WOMS ch. 29), Kalamazoo (WOKZ ch. 50) and Battle Creek (WOBC ch. 14). Additional Rise telecasts will be announced soon.
Dan Hasty, the voice of the West Michigan Whitecaps and the University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball team, will provide the play-by-play, with former Grand Valley State volleyball standout Katie Olson on the color commentating duties. All telecasts will be simulcast on 96.1 The Game.
Hasty has also filled in as a play-by-play broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers and is the host of the "Road to Detroit" podcast. He began calling volleyball matches as a college student at Central Michigan University. In 2014, he served as the public address announcer for the Michigan Wolverines volleyball team, and he has been doing matches locally for Caledonia High School the past three seasons.
"What a special opportunity it is to be a part of the Grand Rapids Rise - the newest member of the West Michigan sports family," Hasty said. "It's an honor and privilege to tell the stories of some of the best volleyball players in the world. To be a part of this from the very beginning is as unique as it is special. I couldn't be more excited to partner with some incredible broadcasting and volleyball minds, beginning with Katie Olson, who enjoyed remarkable success playing for Grand Valley State. She'll be a tremendous asset to our broadcast and fans, and I can't wait to see the sport through her lens."
Olson, a three-time All-GLIAC selection for GVSU from 2014-17, is currently a coach for the FaR Out Volleyball Club in Grand Rapids. She was also a volunteer assistant coach for the 2021 Michigan State volleyball team, which was coached by Rise head coach Cathy George.
"I am thrilled to be a part of something so inspiring to the volleyball community," Olson said. "It's amazing to have such a high level of volleyball not only in the states, but in West Michigan."
Pro Volleyball Federation announced two more national broadcasting partners last week in Bally Live and Stadium, following December's announcement of a partnership with CBS Sports.
Pro Volleyball Federation Stories from January 23, 2024
- WXSP-TV, 96.1 the Game to Provide Local Coverage of Grand Rapids Rise - Grand Rapids Rise
- Match Preview: Atlanta Vibe at Omaha Supernovas, Wednesday, January 24 - Atlanta Vibe
- Supernovas Finalize Active Roster, Prepare for Historic First Match - Omaha Supernovas
- Orlando Valkyries Announce Inaugural Season Roster - Orlando Valkyries
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