ST. PAUL, Minn. - The University of Northwestern Volleyball team has announced its seventh Aces for Joy campaign in honor of 2008 Northwestern graduate and volleyball alumna Kathryne Pals. For every ace an Eagle serves in the 2026 season, Aces for Joy participants will donate $1 to continue Kathryne's legacy of spreading the Gospel.

To participate in Aces for Joy, fill out the pledge card linked HERE.

On July 31, 2016, the Pals family was traveling to their final training session in Colorado, prior to their long-term deployment to be global partners with the Christ Bible Institute in Nagoya, Japan. They were rear-ended by a semi-truck and Jamison (29), Kathryne (29), Ezra (3), Violet (23 mos.), and Calvin (2 mos.) departed to be with Jesus Christ. Their blog captures the story of their longing to share the joy of Jesus with the people of Japan.

Since the inception of Aces for Joy, over $54,000 has been raised. This year's campaign will directly support three missions' ministries:

Sarah and Alfredo Melendres – The Melendres family serves with JIMI International and hosted the 2019 and 2025 UNW Volleyball teams and 2024 UNW Men's Basketball team in Barcelona, Spain through their ministry with Upgrade Sports. The Melendres also serve in numerous capacities to help disciple men, women, and children in the community and local church.

Options Care Center – For over 25 years, Dean and Laurie Edwall have faithfully served in South Africa through Youth for Christ. They founded the Options Care Center which provides spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical care to those experiencing crisis pregnancy or HIV.

Greg and Asa Swenson - The Swenson family serves in Japan with World Venture, helping lead a small house church in Tokyo called House of Grace. They would have been tightly connected with Kathryne and Jamison who were to serve nearby in Nagoya.

To participate in Aces for Joy, fill out the pledge card linked HERE.