Although the California State University, Fresno campus is nearly 100 miles from Turlock and its surrounding cities, the school’s athletic department believes there is a strong fan base deserving of appreciation.
This week, a handful of coaches from Fresno State, tabbed as the “Coaches Caravan” by the athletics department, will be visiting towns from across the Central Valley to meet and connect with fans as part of the “Rally the Valley” campaign.
This year’s tour stops in Kingsburg and Visalia on Tuesday, May 13 and in Firebaugh and Hilmar the next day. Hosting the festivities in Hilmar is Great American Grill at 19920 1st Street. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The campaign has become popular in recent years, offering Bulldog fans across the Valley a unique opportunity to meet and connect with the faces of Fresno State Athletics. This year’s tour features head coaches Matt Entz (Football), Vance Walberg (Men's Basketball), Ryan McCarthy (Women's Basketball) and Leisa Rosen (Volleyball).
The four coaches will “engage with the Red Wave through Q&A sessions, photo ops, and a coaches meet-and-greet,” according to a press release.
Also at each site, representatives from the Fresno State athletics department will have ticket information for the upcoming Bulldog football season. TimeOut and other athletics department personnel will be at the venues to promote Bulldog athletics.
"Fresno State Athletics belongs to the entire Valley—not just Fresno," said Fresno State Director of Athletics Garrett Klassy. "Our fans pour their heart into this program, and it's our responsibility to return that energy by showing up in their towns, shaking their hands, and saying thank you face to face. Rally the Valley is more than a slogan—it's a commitment. We want every community to know that we see them, we appreciate them, and we're building this together."
According to the most recent enrollment statistics for the spring 2025 semester, of the 22,759 students currently enrolled at Fresno State, 519 are from Merced County and 307 are from Stanislaus County. As far as student-athletes go, there are 12 from the two counties that currently compete for the Bulldogs, including Turlock High’s Griffen Sotomayor (Baseball) and Ella Spaulding (Track & Field) and Hilmar High’s Mia Nunes (Equestrian).
Rally the Valley events are open to the public, and fans of all ages are welcomed.
Fans interested in going are encouraged to RSVP at https://gobulldogs.com/news/2025/4/18/general-fresno-state-athletics-announces-rally-the-valley-coaches-caravan.
