OLYMPIA, Wash. – Bright Brubaker (So., OPP/S) from The Evergreen State College women's volleyball team is the Evergreen Featured Athlete of the Week for August 29, 2025. Brubaker played in 17 matches and 32 sets in 2024. Previously, she played volleyball at Colony High School in Palmer, Alaska.

Last year at Evergreen, she received the Team Spirit Award in volleyball. She was nominated for the Dig Deep Award in Evergreen Athletics.

Both of those honors resulted from her commitment to the success of the team and providing strong support to her teammates.

"I focus on bringing consistent energy and positivity to the court because I believe we play our best volleyball when we're having fun and supporting each other," Brubaker noted.

On the court, Brubaker has the height at 6'3" to be effective as a right-side hitter, also called an opposite. "My height gives me a strong advantage as a right-side, especially when it comes to blocking some of the opposing team's best attackers," she said.

This year, she has taken on additional duties as a secondary setter. In Evergreen's first four matches, all against teams ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Women's Volleyball Preseason Poll, Brubaker earned a total of 32 assists for the Geoducks, as she averaged 8.0 assists per match.

"Getting the chance to step in as a setter was a dream-come-true," Brubaker said. "I really enjoyed setting my teammates up for success and helping our offense run smoothly. It was a different perspective on the game, and I learned a lot seeing how plays develop from the setter's view. Watching my teammates shine is one of the most rewarding parts of volleyball."

For Brubaker, being a member of the Evergreen volleyball team is very important. It's part of what makes attending Evergreen so wonderful for her.

"At Evergreen, I've been able to build such meaningful friendships and connections," Brubaker commented. "Our team is a place where I can be myself and also support others in doing the same, which makes it really special. I love watching our newer players navigate college and grow in the game. It's beautiful to see how much we all develop on and off the court because of volleyball."

Brubaker chose to attend Evergreen to be relatively close to her home in Alaska. She also was interested in the interdisciplinary education offered at Evergreen.

"I knew I wanted … to experience something new, but not be too far from home," Brubaker said. "Evergreen stood out to me because of its unique approach to education, which gives me the flexibility to explore my options and more time to decide on my path.

"When I met the coaches and team, it immediately felt like the right fit athletically," Brubaker added. "I could tell this was a program where I would be supported, challenged, and able to thrive."

As a student at Evergreen, she is considering a wide range of academic possibilities.

"I'm exploring a variety of academic areas and taking course that challenge me to think critically and creatively," Brubaker noted. "I really value the flexibility here, which allows me to discover what I'm most passionate about while learning skills that will be valuable no matter what path I choose."

Since arriving in the Olympia area, Brubaker has worked in the Costantino Recreation Center with operations and game management. Her jobs have added to her overall experiences at Evergreen.

"I love working at the CRC. Not only is it convenient, but it's also given me the chance to connect with so many students, staff, and community members," Brubaker explained. "As a lead (group leader), I've been able to grow my communication and leadership skills, particularly through training and hiring new staff. On gamedays, I enjoy supporting my fellow athletes and learning the behind-the-scenes process of running events."

Brubaker is active in the Association of Student-Athletes (ASA), formerly known as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). This year she is a co-chair of the Evergreen ASA. The other co-chair is Charles Norris from the cross country and track and field teams. Director of Student Wellness, Recreation, and Athletics Elizabeth McHugh is the advisor to the ASA.

"Last year, I helped plan events that connected students and student-athletes, organized gameday activities and themes, worked tables at student events, and attended Geoduck Student Union meetings. This year, I'm looking forward to growth, collaboration, and creating opportunities for our athletes to engage with the campus community."

It's a busy schedule for Brubaker with academics, athletics, on-campus jobs, and ASA leadership. Just as she's found a variety of ways to contribute to campus life, she also looks forward to considering options after she graduates from Evergreen.

"I'm excited to take the lessons I've learned at Evergreen -- both in and out of the classroom -- into whatever comes next and continue growing as a student, athlete, and person."