Three Rise Matches To Be Featured On ‘Thursday Night Volleyball On WXSP’

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – WXSP-TV will once again serve as the local television partner for the Grand Rapids Rise in their second Pro Volleyball Federation season, bringing fans “Thursday Night Volleyball on WXSP,” presented by University of Michigan Health-West.

The station is scheduled to televise three Thursday night home matches this season:

  • Jan. 30 vs. Orlando Valkyries at 7 p.m.
  • Feb. 20 vs. Columbus Fury at 7 p.m.
  • Mar. 20 vs. Vegas Thrill at 7 p.m.

WXSP-TV, a sister station to WOOD TV8 and WOTV, can be found on all major cable systems in the region and through low-power channels in Grand Rapids (WOLP channel 27), Holland (WOHO ch. 33), Muskegon (WOMS ch. 29), Kalamazoo (WOKZ ch. 50), and Battle Creek (WOBC ch. 14).

“We are excited and proud to have such a wonderful relationship with WOODTV and WXSP-TV to present the Rise locally with a special Thursday Night package of matches,” said Bob Kaser, Rise vice president of broadcasting.

Dan Hasty and Katie Olson return as the radio broadcast team for all home matches, airing live on 96.1 The Game, with simulcasts being used for the three WXSP-TV telecasts.

Hasty, who also serves as the voice of the West Michigan Whitecaps and University of Detroit Mercy men’s basketball, returns as the play-by-play broadcaster. His broadcasting background includes work with the Detroit Tigers, hosting the “Road to Detroit” podcast, and calling volleyball matches during his time at Central Michigan.

Joining him again as an analyst is Olson, a former Grand Valley State volleyball standout and three-time All-GLIAC selection. Olson has coached for the FaR Out Volleyball Club in Grand Rapids and was a volunteer assistant coach at Michigan State under Rise head coach Cathy George.

Pro Volleyball Federation has also expanded its national reach, with matches airing on FS1, FS2, CBS Sports Network and ROKU.

“We are thrilled that women's pro volleyball, in just its second season of operation, will be seen with such frequency on a national level,” Kaser said. “It speaks volumes to the impact this exciting product is having on the sports landscape.”

Click here to stay up-to-date on the 2025 Rise schedule.

ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION

Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.

ABOUT THE GRAND RAPIDS RISE

Founded in December 2022 as the first Pro Volleyball Federation franchise, the Grand Rapids Rise made their debut at Van Andel Arena on Jan. 25, 2024. Led by longtime Michigan State and Western Michigan head coach Cathy George, the Rise reached the championship match during their inaugural season. The team is operated by DP Fox Sports & Entertainment and owned by Dan DeVos, who is also majority owner and CEO of the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins and minority owner of West Michigan Soccer, which will begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2027. Visit grrise.com for more information.