Syracuse Volleyball Hosts Ukrainian Student Night

As soon as Syracuse Volleyball’s Polina Shemanova heard about Russia’s initial attacks on Ukraine, the first thing she did was check on her Ukrainian teammate, Viktoriia Lokhmanchuk to make sure she was ok.

Then, the two, along with members of the coaching staff began brainstorming ideas about how to raise awareness for the cause. 

Their idea was an Ukrainian support night centered around how students can make a difference and show their support for the country.  Taras Colopelnic is the President of the Ukrainian Club at Syracuse. 

“The fact that SU Volleyball wants to support Ukraine. Obviously, a couple of their players are Ukrainian, over the years, they’ve always had Ukrainian players,” Colopelnic said. “That support is very important to us and we’re very happy to be a part of that.”

As for Lokhmanchuk, she’s just happy that her friend, Polina, has been by her side through this hard time. 

“I’m so glad that she’s supported me, supported my family and my country, which is so important for me. I’m glad that this situation hasn’t changed our relationship,” Lokhmanchuk said. 

“At the end of the day, it all comes to speak the truth, believe in the truth, and peace to everyone,” Shemanova said “That’s what we want, just for people to understand what’s going on in the world, and giving as much support as they can.”

Reporting from the Women’s building, Ryan Bridges, CitrusTV.