IRVINE, Calif. -- Throughout UCI's Brilliant Future campaign, Intercollegiate Athletics has worked to enhance the quality of experience for all student-athletes through donations and philanthropic partnerships.

In 2022, the men's and women's volleyball programs will feel the impact of a generous gift in the form of a custom Taraflex court named "Court 21" 

Taraflex (by Gerflor) is literally the gold standard of volleyball flooring, used in The Olympic Games and on the home courts of the most elite teams in the world. Only six NCAA men's programs in the country (three in The Big West Conference) now call Taraflex their home court.

"Taraflex is a competitive differentiator. It demonstrates a commitment and a standard of excellence," said UC Irvine head coach David Kniffin. "But the real story and impact of this gift is the tribute to Tim Vorenkamp, for whom the court is named." 

On September 10, 2010, at 13 years old, Tim Vorenkamp was diagnosed with Stage 3 synovial sarcoma, a very rare form of cancer. In the years that followed, Tim faced four relapses of his cancer, all contained in his lungs. Throughout moments of remission, he continued to play volleyball, wearing the number 21 and signed with UC Irvine in the class of 2015. 
 
Coach Kniffin remembers an interaction with Tim in the spring of 2015, just months before he would have enrolled at UC Irvine:

"Tim was committed to play for us at UC Irvine. I had been watching him play for years. He embodied such a powerful blend of character traits. Such drive, leadership and authentic care for the people around him. At some point in the spring of 2015, he asked to meet. He wanted to tell me in person that he wouldn't be physically able to play for UC Irvine. He told me he was going to die and that he was going to get out of Orange County to be a college kid for the time he had left. Even in that moment, Tim radiated such confidence, such peace. I hope, through this gift and his story, his legacy continues to lead us."

Tim left Orange County in 2015 and attended Berkeley for his fall semester. He passed away on January 10, 2016. He is remembered by his parents, Pieter and Petra and his brother Patrick. 

Patrick, who joined the UC Irvine men's volleyball team in the fall of 2018, is poised to lead the Anteaters this season. 

"Tim is the reason I began playing volleyball in the fifth grade," the younger Vorenkamp said. "Every day since then, I have been pushed knowing that he wants me to take my talents to the highest level. When I step onto "Court 21" I will be honored knowing that our pursuit of championships will be in his memory."  

The gift, made possible by The Vorenkamp Family, is an honor to their son and his way of living. 

"Every step you take on "Court 21" we want you to remember the most important thing in life: HOPE, which motivated Tim in everything. With hope you can make a difference and conquer anything. Hope brings people together and together you can keep your eye on the goal. We pray you all want to make a difference, in living for others, so you can give each other HOPE!"