It’s hard to think of something more representative of IU than candy-striped pants.
The tradition started with the men’s basketball team back in the 1970s under former IU basketball Coach Bob Knight and has since grown into something that is not just a symbol in the state of Indiana, but something recognized nationally.
Now, the tradition is coming to the IU volleyball team.
“There is so much tradition in those pants,” IU Coach Sherry Dunbar said. “I grew up here, so that’s what I think of is that tradition, and to me that tradition symbolizes championships.”
Starting back in the spring, the IU volleyball coaching staff decided to bring about a plan they thought would motivate the team, leading to the team members receiving their own pair of candy-striped pants.
“We wanted to go back to the grass roots of getting them to earn everything they have and appreciate everything they have,” Dunbar said. “We really wanted them to feel like they were earning everything they were getting, so this program stemmed from that.”
Dunbar said the motto “earn your stripes” was thought of in the spring and came together when the players asked about getting the special pants.
“There is not an exact science to when we earn those pants,” Dunbar said. “It is when they feel and we feel like we are playing like a tournament team.
“Earning your stripes means that you are playing at a level that gets you into the NCAA tournament. So when we feel like we are playing at that level, we’re going to give the pants out. There is a lot that comes with those pants.”
After each game and practice, the team members talk about whether they believe they earned a stripe.
“Every day it motivates us,” senior captain and libero Caitlin Hansen said. “It’s ingrained in our heads, and it drives us.”
The team has made it known that its main priority is to go to the NCAA tournament this year, but the team is also focusing on having a good work ethic.
“It takes hard work to wear those pants,” said Jade Henderson, senior captain and outside hitter. “It shows a pride in the program to have those pants.”
This is the first time the team has done this sort of program, and so far team members say they like it.
“To me, when I look at the pants, I think that’s the epitome of a Hoosier,” Henderson said. “It’s just a thing of pride in Indiana, so it would just be awesome, especially in my senior year.”
Hansen echoed these statements.
“As a captain and as a senior, it’s more excitement and having that feeling of accomplishment.” Hansen said. “Being able to look at each other and realize we did this as a unit. We did it together. We went through the hard times and the easy times and ups and downs and thrived through it.”
Follow reporter Andrew Vailliencourt on Twitter @AndrewVcourt.
