Shenandoah University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, in partnership with Varsity Travel, unveiled a new look for one of its team buses during a ceremony on Tuesday, April 22, at SU’s baseball and softball fields in Jim Barnett Park.
The new design prominently features the Shenandoah Athletics hornet logo, “Shenandoah University” and a hexagon pattern displayed in vibrant red and blue. Shenandoah Athletic Director DeShon Foxx, M.S., who thanked Varsity Travel for making the redesign possible, said during the unveiling that the bus is a “rolling depiction of our commitment and dedication” to Shenandoah University Athletics.
As a former collegiate athlete myself, I know that how you present yourself is extremely important. The way that we carry ourselves as a team, and really being committed to that ‘23 sports, one team’ philosophy, is important. One of the things on behalf of Shenandoah Athletics and the administration, is we want you all to feel that you are important. We want you all to feel that you belong here, and that we are trying to set you all up to be unbelievably successful in your sport, in the classroom and everything in between. This bus represents that in a way that says we care about the student athlete experience. It’s just a small part of what we’re hoping to continuously build upon.”
DeShon Foxx, M.S., Shenandoah University Athletic Director
Shenandoah head field hockey coach and Associate Athletic Director Ashley Smeltzer-Kraft, and senior student-athlete Janelle Anderson ’25, who competes for the women’s track and field program, both emphasized the importance of road trips as part of the student-athlete experience. Anderson called the newly designed bus a “game changer.”
It’s a celebration of how far Shenandoah Athletics has come, and a preview of where we’re headed. Away trips are a huge part of our experience. Some of our best memories are made on the road. It’s a reminder, before the competition even begins, that you’re a part of something bigger than yourself. It builds unity, it inspires confidence, and it shows every athlete who rides in it that you’re supported, valued and appreciated. There’s something powerful about rolling out to another campus in a bus that looks this good. … We’re so grateful for this investment in us and for what it means not just in terms of comfort and convenience, but in how much it shows Shenandoah cares about our athletes. On behalf of all student-athletes, thank you. This is more than just a ride. It’s a rolling reminder that we’re 23 sports, one team.”
Janelle Anderson ’25, Shenandoah University student-athlete
