Jasmine Dulan Returns to Lead Drake University Volleyball

The fifth-year libero is back on the court for the Bulldogs following a medical retirement in her sophomore year.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Volleyball

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Fifth-year libero Jasmine Dulan has rejoined the Drake University volleyball team, providing a late-season boost to the Bulldogs' conference championship aspirations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Fifth-year senior Jasmine Dulan has made a successful return to the Drake University volleyball team as a libero. After receiving medical clearance in October, the athlete rejoined the roster following a retirement during her sophomore year due to nerve pain.

Why it matters

Dulan provides a significant boost to the Bulldogs as the team pursues a conference championship and a higher standing in the Missouri Valley Conference. Her return highlights the impact of medical rehabilitation on collegiate athletic careers.

Dulan ranks third in the nation with 5.47 digs per set and fifth in the country with 361 total digs. During her time at the University of Missouri, she appeared in 25 matches and recorded 61 total digs.

The players

Jasmine Dulan

Jasmine Dulan is a fifth-year senior at Drake University who previously played at the University of Missouri.

Darrin McBroom

Darrin McBroom serves as the head coach for the Drake University volleyball team.

Tara Armstrong

Tara Armstrong is an associate athletic trainer who consulted on Dulan's medical clearance.

The details

Dulan secured her return to the sport by signing waivers stating her injury was not career-ending after consultations with head coach Darrin McBroom and associate athletic trainer Tara Armstrong. Encouraged by her teammates, she now aims to propel the team toward a conference championship after previously earning MVP honors at the Kansas City Klassic.

Timeline

  1. Dulan medically retired from volleyball during the spring of her sophomore year.

  2. The athlete received medical clearance to return to play in October of her senior year.

  3. The Bulldogs play the University of Illinois Chicago on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Season Trajectory

Dulan’s addition to the rotation bolsters the Bulldogs as they seek to secure second place in the Missouri Valley Conference standings. Her defensive presence significantly impacts the team's prospects as they push toward the conference championship tournament.

Dulan is currently contributing 5.47 digs per set, a key metric for fans tracking defensive efficiency in the conference. Her presence shifts the team's defensive rotation as they prepare for the upcoming matchup against the University of Illinois Chicago.

The takeaway

Dulan’s return underscores the importance of medical persistence and the impact of team support in collegiate sports. Her performance serves as a reminder of how quickly a key defensive presence can alter a team's championship aspirations.

What happens next

The Bulldogs are scheduled to play the University of Illinois Chicago at the Knapp Center on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Further reading

For more on local matches and team updates, visit Volleyball.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times-Delphic.

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Would you encourage a student athlete to return to sports after a medically required retirement?