WASHINGTON D.C. – For the first time in school history, West Texas A&M will be recognized at the Nation's Capital as the 2022 National Champion Lady Buff Volleyball team received an official invitation to the White House for College Athlete Day on June 12^th. 
 
The tradition of sports teams visiting the White House started in 1865 with President Andrew Johnson, who welcomed the Brooklyn Atlantic's and Washington Nationals amateur baseball clubs. The Indiana University men's basketball team is believed to be the first NCAA champion to visit the White House when it was hosted by President Gerald Ford in April 1976. 
 
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host multiple championship teams at the College Athlete Day this coming Monday including the Lady Buff Volleyball team. The NCAA holds 90 championships in 24 sports across its three divisions.  
 
National Championship programs in attendance at the celebration held on June 12^th will be recognized at the College Athlete Day that will be broadcast on whitehouse.gov/live and on the White House Facebook page starting at 11:30 a.m. ET.
 
"We are honored and grateful for the opportunity to celebrate an unforgettable season at the White House," head coach Kendra Potts said. "Another chance to get together with this team to reminisce on such a special season is what we are all looking forward to, and to do this at our Nation's Capital is something we all will never forget."
 
In her fourth year, Potts led the Lady Buffs to their fourth NCAA Division II National Championship in school history, finishing with a 34-4 overall record. WT had a historic run up to the National Championship that included a 26-game winning streak. Potts was named the AVCA Division II National Coach of the Year while Casey Shingler was tabbed the AVCA Assistant Coach of the Year.
 
Two Lady Buffs gained All-American status including outside hitter Torrey Miller and middle blocker Taytum Stow. Miller was voted as the NCAA DII Tournament Most Valuable Player and received All-Tournament recognition alongside teammates Bryli Contreras, Abi Nash and Kayla Elliott.
 
The Lady Buffs begin their 2023 campaign on September 1-2 when they host the annual BritKare Lady Buff Classic at the WTAMU Fieldhouse "The Box" with matchups against East Central, Adams State, St. Mary's and Davenport.